GSS EU Science Funding Gateway

Preparatory studies in the meaning of Article 7(3) of CEF Regulation, allow for support to both EU Member States but also private project promoters in order to advance cooperation ideas, create momentum amongst involved stakeholders and with this generate a pipeline of cross-border renewable projects. It allows specifically support to the project before being included in the Union list of cross-border RES projects. The purpose of support for preparatory studies is to overcome the obstacles that have in the past prevented cooperation projects from going ahead, such as uncertainty on the allocation of costs and benefits between involved Member States or the additional complexity of setting up cross-border support.

The study may also investigate the best form of support, such as the auctioning and tendering set-up as well as all aspects for which national grid, market and other rules differ in the participating Member States and would need to be agreed upon. It can be used to start exploring (mainly through desktop studies) the possible sites in the territory of Member States (or third countries) in order to determine the hosting and participating countries, as well as other exploratory tasks needed to assess the overall cost and benefits of the project. It should allow identifying and formalising the underpinning cooperation mechanism and may include communication and stakeholder involvement activities.

The funding can also be used to provide technical, economic or legal support in setting up or advancing cross-border cooperation with the objective to select the best project concept. Applications related to preparatory studies must comply with the CEF Regulation and with the specific conditions set out in this call.