(source: SME)
The Polish and Slovak gas transmission system operators, Gaz-System and Eustream, have signed the connection agreement for implementing the Poland-Slovakia Gas Interconnection (PCI) project. After construction, the new pipeline will enhance the regional security of supply and integration of the natural gas markets in the region.
On the basis of the agreement, both transmission system operators adopted a positive final investment decision concerning implementation of the Poland–Slovakia Gas Interconnection.
The Poland-Slovakia Gas Interconnection constitutes the crucial part of the North South Gas Interconnections in Central Eastern and South Eastern Europe (NSI East Gas).
“A positive investment decision on implementation of the PCI project confirms the commitment of both transmission system operators in reaching the most important goals of the EU energy policy,” said Tomasz Stępień, CEO of Polish Gaz-System as cited in the Eustream press release.
The new gas interconnection between Poland and Slovakia will allow for the diversification of the CEE region gas sources by creating a missing link between the Polish and Slovak gas transmission systems.
“This is good news for natural gas consumers in Slovakia, Poland and the CEE region,” said Rastislav Ňukovič, CEO of Eustream. “The construction of this gas interconnector will increase regional energy security and create new natural gas trading opportunities to the benefit of European customers.”
The implementation of the project will enable surrounding CEE countries to benefit from the direct access to different gas supply sources from the North, such as fully operational LNG terminals at the Baltic Sea (Świnoujście LNG, Klaipeda LNG via Gas Interconnection Poland-Lithuania (GIPL) and Norway (through the planned Baltic Pipe) as well as from the South, through the Slovakia-Hungary Interconnection and the planned Eastring pipeline. It will increase the liquidity of the natural gas market in the CEE region. Furthermore, the project will contribute to the solidarity between both countries.
The pipeline will be approximately 164 kilometres long. From it, 106 kilometres should be built in Slovakia and 58 kilometres in Poland. Total costs should be almost €270 million, of which the European Union will contribute 40 percent or €107.7 million.
Construction works are planned to begin in the second half of 2018 and finalised by the end of 2021.
