GAZ-SYSTEM: Baltic Pipe is an investment project increasing Poland’s energy security
Presentation of information concerning the construction of the Baltic Pipe pipeline to the local communities, authorities and organisations was the main purpose of the public hearing held on 7 March 2018 in the Zachodniopomorskie Office of the Voivode in Szczecin. Experts involved in the project emphasised that the project would ensure security and stability of supply and contribute to replacing other fossil fuels with gas fuel, which produces low emissions and does not generate smog.
The speakers emphasised that the main benefit to be provided by the Baltic Pipe project is the security and continuity of transmission in case of supply interruptions. Additionally, diversification also means greater competitiveness in the market and readiness to accept gas supplies from other directions.
The demand for natural gas in Poland is growing. This is confirmed by the data for 2017, which was a record year for GAZ-SYSTEM in terms of gas transmission volume – 19.7 billion cubic meters. The construction of the Baltic Pipe could reinforce this trend. This will be beneficial both to individual and industrial customers. Experts at the meeting in Szczecin pointed out that for many companies and plants gas was the main commodity and, at the same time, a significant cost-generating item.
In this context, the environmental aspect is also important. Gas is a low-emission fuel and does not generate smog, contributing to improved air quality.
Participants of the meeting included residents of the communes, representatives of local authorities and non-governmental organisations and other people interested in the project. Information was provided by experts from GAZ-SYSTEM and institutions participating in the implementation of the offshore and onshore part of the Baltic Pipe project. During the meeting, the scope and schedule of the project was discussed along with the work progress, the most important types of offshore and onshore impacts and the implemented environmental research. The statements were illustrated with presentations, which are available FOR DOWNLOAD.
The Baltic Pipe project is implemented with due regard to the rights of all interested parties and the natural environment. Before the meeting, two public hearings had been held – in Stralsund in northern Germany (27 February 2018) and in the Swedish city of Malmö (1 March 2018). The European Commission has classified the Baltic Pipe as a “Project of Common Interest” (PCI). This status is awarded to infrastructural projects that are aimed at strengthening the European internal energy market and pursue the objectives of the EU energy policy involving the provision of affordable, secure and sustainable energy. The PCI status ensures transparency of the preparatory stage of project implementation and allows for public participation.
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The Baltic Pipe is a strategic infrastructure project, with the goal of creating a new gas supply corridor on the European market. The project will enable transporting gas from Norway to the Polish and Danish markets and to end users in neighbouring countries. The Baltic Pipe will also enable gas transmission from Poland to Denmark and Sweden. The project is implemented by the Polish gas transmission operator GAZ-SYSTEM and the operator of the Danish gas transmission system Energinet.
For more information about the Baltic Pipe project go to www.baltic-pipe.eu/pl/.
