Support for cross-border renewable energy projects
Driving projects forward, making the most of EU funding and strengthening the Energy Union
Goal: work alongside the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) to support the planning and implementation of cross-border renewable energy projects between Germany and neighbouring countries
Topics: Renewable energies, Funding, International partnership, Networking globally
Runtime: 1 June 2026 – 31 August 2029 (contract valid until 31 December 2029)
Our mission
Cross-border renewable energy projects are a strategically underestimated tool for German and European energy and climate policy. In border regions, these projects often yield greater socio-economic benefits than alternative projects that do not involve cooperation with a neighbouring country. EU funding is also available for the implementation of cross-border projects until the end of 2027 and, it is expected, from 2028 to 2034.
With a 3,900 km land border, its location at the heart of Europe and a total of nine neighbouring countries, Germany is particularly well placed to develop cross-border projects. The dena supports the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) in tapping into this potential: by systematically identifying projects, assisting in the negotiation of cooperation agreements (under Article 9 of the Renewable Energy Directive) and strengthening the German project pipeline within the CEF-CB-RES programme. The aim is to make efficient use of EU funding, boost local value creation in border regions and deepen bilateral energy cooperation – so that climate targets can be achieved more quickly and cost-effectively.
The project contributes to the following policy objectives:
- efficient generation and use of renewable energy in the electricity and heating sectors across borders,
- reducing investment costs, and
- strengthening the European Energy Union.
Our approach
Dena acts as a bridge between policy and practice.
- It supports project partners as a neutral and trustworthy intermediary.
- dena ensures transparency by systematically recording cross-border renewable energy projects.
- It offers tailored advice on funding applications, cooperation agreements and financing strategies.
- dena draws on the experience of project organisers to overcome cross-border obstacles.
- It promotes exchange between project promoters through workshops and digital platforms.
- dena supports projects from the planning stage through to implementation – with knowledge-building, capacity-building and political support to ensure successful realisation.
dena has many years’ experience in Franco-German and German-Polish cooperation projects, as well as in offshore wind cooperation in the North Sea region.
Up-to-date information on the annual CB-RES calls for proposals and concluded cooperation agreements can be found on the CINEA website and the BMWE website.
Please get in touch with us
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Claire GauthierSenior Expert, European cooperation
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© Silke ReentsSina GasdeSenior Expert, European cooperation
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© HoffotografenCaroline GrimmExpert, European cooperation