CB RES Status offers a gateway to CEF Energy grants

Why apply for a CB RES Status?

In Europe’s energy transition, collaboration across borders is a key driver for achieving its ambitious climate goals. To support this, the European Commission (EC) introduced the CB RES Status, a framework designed to boost joint renewable energy projects. The CB RES framework not only facilitates funding (15% of the CEF Energy budget of around EUR 875 million is dedicated to CB RES) but also formalizes cooperation between member states or between EU countries and third countries. This legal and political backing can be decisive in attracting long-term investment and securing stable partnerships. Hence, being on the CB RES list ensures European visibility, giving projects stronger investor certainty, public recognition, and reinforced support from participating EU member states.

What is CB RES Status?

The European Commission maintains an official CB RES list, which includes all projects that have received CB RES status. To join this list, project promoters must submit an application demonstrating the project’s cross-border nature, renewable focus, and socioeconomic benefits. Once approved, the project gains eligibility to apply for CEF Energy Studies or Works grants, which fund up to 50% of the eligible Studies or Works costs. In short, CB RES status acts as the gateway to CEF Energy funding and to a broader ecosystem of EU-level cooperation in renewable energy production.

Who can apply?

Applications from both public and private legal entities that act as project promoters are welcome. This includes:

• Energy production companies, either individually or as consortia.
• Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) established specifically for developing a cross-border renewable energy production project.
• Public bodies or agencies coordinating or supporting regional renewable projects.

What are the main conditions?

To qualify for a CB RES Status, there are several key criteria to meet.

Legal entity requirement

The applicant must be a legal entity (public or private) established in an eligible country — either an EU Member State or a non-EU country with a direct physical link to the EU’s energy system.

Cross-border cooperation

The project must demonstrate cooperation between at least two EU Member States, or between one or more Member States and a third country. A Letter of Support or Declaration signed by the relevant ministries of the participating EU Member States.

Renewable energy focus

The main component of the project must concern renewable energy generation, such as:

• Renewable electricity from solar, wind, or hydro,
• Renewable heat from geothermal, biomass, solar thermal, district heating/cooling sources, or
• Renewable fuels or feedstocks, such as green hydrogen, green ammonia, or green methanol, produced from renewable electricity sources

Technical soundness

A comprehensive technical description must be provided including a clear overview of the project scope.

Net positive

A positive cost-benefit analysis (CBA) showing societal benefits are larger than societal costs resulting in a positive Economic Net present Value (ENPV). All assumptions in the CBA must be clearly explained and substantiated with reliable data.

Successful support of CB RES Status project for Zhero

We have for example supported the MedGen project of Zhero in successfully applying for a CB RES Status. This landmark North-South cooperation project aims to install 10 GW of solar and wind capacity in Algeria and Tunisia, with dedicated battery storage systems. Two 2 GW cables will export up to 22.8 TWh/year of clean electricity from Algeria and Tunisia across the bottom of the Mediterranean Sea to Italy as part of the larger MedLink initiative. This makes MedGen a flagship initiative, boosting sustainable development, regional integration, and the EU’s energy diversification efforts.

When to apply?

Typically, projects should apply for CB RES Status after completing initial feasibility studies, when the concept, site location, and most important Project partners well defined. The next application deadline for CB RES Status is February 5, 2026.

How can we support your project?

Navigating the CB RES process can be complex. Our experts can help prepare competitive applications and meet all technical and economic requirements. The typical support process includes the following steps:

1. CB RES viability check: assessing whether your project fits the CB RES eligibility and strategic framework.
2. Project scoping: refining project definition, cross-border aspects, and stakeholder engagement.
3. Application drafting and CBA calculation: developing the full application and performing an accurate cost-benefit analysis.
4. Submission support: managing the submission procedure and ensuring all documentation meets EU standards and show consistency.
5. Evaluation assistance: providing responses to evaluator questions and clarifications during the review process.

Discuss your project idea with the experts at PNO Innovation. Whether it concerns one of the above steps or the entire process, our guidance is just as focused on ultimate success as you are. Ask us about our successful experience with CB RES Status and the programs associated with it. Call +31(0)88 838 13 81 or send us a message using the form below.