The European Commission has approved the addition of five new cross-border renewable energy (CB RES) projects to its official list. This increases the number to 13 initiatives that can now apply for funding under the CEF Energy Programme. The CB RES status means eligibility for grants, and underscores certainty to investors especially in the EU energy markets.
The five new cross-border renewable energy (CB RES) projects also reflect Europe’s push to accelerate its cross-border renewable deployment in a bid to further reinforce its energy security in line with climate targets.
The Five New Renewable Energy Projects Additions to Europe CB RES List
Liivi Bay Offshore Wind Farm
The project in the Baltics of Estonia and Latvia features a 1 GW offshore wind project in the Gulf of Riga and is expected online by 2031. The project also supports Estonia’s 2030 goal of 100% renewable electricity and contributes to Latvia’s energy transition. Wholesomely, it pushes for renewable transition in Northeastern Europe.
The Saare-Liivi offshore wind project was awarded to Estonian-based energy group, Utilitas, and aims for annual electricity production of over 5 TWh in the first phase of development.
Latvia/Lithuania Utilitas Eleja – Jonišķis Wind Park
The 200 MW onshore facility expects start of operations in 2028. It is strategically connected to the 330 kV Viskaļi – Mūša line, with aim to enhance grid stability and reduce import dependency. Lithuania is also home to Baltic’s largest onshore wind energy project, the Kelme wind farm, which recently completed phase 1 of development.
CORES in Portugal and Luxembourg
Comprehensive Offshore Renewable Energy Studies (CORES) is all-rounded. The initiative sets the groundwork for floating offshore wind, with studies on grid reinforcement, port infrastructure, and hydrogen integration in Southern and Western Europe.
Once realized, it will unlock up to 10 GW of offshore wind capacity in Portugal. Currently, the country does not have any commercial-scale offshore wind farms, and is still running a floating offshore wind technology pilot, the 25 MW WindFloat Atlantic in Viana do Castelo. Since it began operations in 2020, it has proven to ultimately be a much more suitable alternative as a floating technology because of the Atlantic’s deep coast. The pilot offshore wind project has since paved way for more proposals.
MedGen’s Intercontinental Project
Medlink Renewable Generation (MedGen) renewables venture in North Africa’s Algeria and Tunisia with collaboration in Italy is gearing on steady. The landmark intercontinental 10 GW solar-wind-BESS project in North Africa will connect to Italy via 2 GW HVDC links that will export up to 22.8 TWh annually to the Southern European country. Italy also recently ventured into oil and gas development in Algeria after government-founded, Eni, signed a $1.35 billion contract to commence development.
Twin Heat Project in Germany and Poland
This cross-border district heating decarbonization initiative for Słubice and Frankfurt is centered on renewable biomass and shared infrastructure for cross-border heating exchange. Termed as, “an example of thermal energy integration”, it aims to reduce carbon emissions and also increase the efficiency of heating systems.
Projects Overview
Total CB RES Projects: 13 as of September 2025
Newly Added Capacity: More than 11 GW across onshore, offshore, solar, wind, storage & heat
Geographies of Interest: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Portugal, Luxembourg, Algeria, Tunisia, Italy, Poland, Germany
Timelines:
- Liivi Bay Wind Farm – Commercial Operation Date (COD) by 2031
- Eleja–Jonišķis Wind Park – COD by 2028
- MedGen North Africa energy exports to Italy – 22.8 TWh/year via HVDC
Funding Eligibility: CEF Energy Programme for studies and work
Europe CB RES Projects
CB RES projects are defined under the CEF Regulation and are structured through cooperation mechanisms established in the Renewable Energy Directive. They cover renewable generation, storage, and hydrogen systems with aim of bringing cross-border benefits while supporting EU decarbonization goals.
The five new additions join earlier projects such as ELWIND offshore wind project in Estonia and Latvia, Denmark and Germany’s Bornholm offshore Energy Island, the CICERONE hydrogen supply chain across Italy, Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands, and wind park in Estonia and Latvia.
The current CB RES list is undergoing parliamentary assessment before official finalization. The next call for new CB RES proposals opens 2 September 2025, and will hopefully see the tally increase. Additionally, results from the 2024 CEF funding call are expected mid-September. This could see allocation of significant grants to projects like ULP-RES and SLOWP offshore wind farms in northeastern Europe.
Why the Project Push Stands Out
These projects reflect Europe’s contrasting approach to renewables when compared to the West. It also underscores their pairing of regional integration with subtle global diversification.
From offshore wind in the Baltic, to district heating in Central Europe, and solar exports from North Africa, the diverse portfolio speaks for itself. The integrated supply will reinforce grid stability, energy security, and attract new entry points into the EU energy markets.
