New interconnectors to Belgium, France, Ireland and a compressed air energy storage scheme in Larne, County Antrim, Northern Ireland, have all made the list.
These developments have been labelled as “projects of common interest” (PCIs) and they will benefit from a faster planning process, as well as the possibility of receiving financial support from the EU.
Energy commissioner Günther Oettinger said: “We have to make sure that our limited funds are used wisely and that EU money goes where it can create most benefits to European consumers.
“With this list of energy infrastructure projects and their accompanying benefits, we also hope to attract more investors.”
Other schemes on the shortlist include the NEMO project, which would create a 1,000MW subsea link between Richborough and Zeebrugge; a 1,000MW cable routed through the Channel Tunnel between Folkstone and Coquelles in France; and a hydro-pumped storage project in North West Ireland.