Infrastructure reference costs
A key role for network development
When developing new energy networks, setting up appropriate and transparent cost estimation methods is essential. Using standardised reference cost values can facilitate planning and assessment processes, increase their credibility and enable consistent comparisons across the EU.
Under the TEN-E Regulation (Article 11(9)), ACER is required to establish and publish a set of indicators and corresponding reference values every three years. These are used to compare unit investment costs (UICs) of comparable energy infrastructure projects falling within the categories listed in Annex II of the Regulation.
ACER published the first set of UIC indicators for the categories set out in points (1), (2) and (3) of Annex II (electricity, smart gas grids, hydrogen, electrolysers and carbon dioxide) in 2023. These values were updated in April 2026 following a new data collection exercise, which provided more recent cost information.
UIC indicators were specifically established for electricity infrastructure and related assets, based on data provided by project promoters. The indicators provide benchmark values for the average, median and first and third quartiles of UICs, enabling structured comparisons across projects.
The indicators and their reference values can be used for various planning and evaluation processes, including:
- supporting the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) and Gas (ENTSOG) in carrying out the cost-benefit analyses for their EU-wide ten-year network development plans (TYNDPs);
- assessing and selecting projects of common and mutual interest (PCIs/PMIs); and
- informing cross-border cost allocation (CBCA) decisions.
Want to know more?
Take a look at our latest report on European energy infrastructure UICs.
Infrastructure reference costs
Looking ahead
The 2026 UIC indicators provide an important benchmark for decision-making and infrastructure planning. However, they also confirm a substantial increase in costs, leading to a potential underestimation of the indicators. Further work is needed to better capture and reflect these cost increases in future updates.
