GAZ-SYSTEM S.A. and PJSC "UKRTRANSGAZ" have prepared a feasibility study for the Gas Interconnection Poland – Ukraine
The Polish and Ukrainian transmission system operators – GAZ-SYSTEM S.A. and PJSC "UKRTRANSGAZ" have just completed the feasibility study for the interconnection integrating transmission systems of both countries. Under the cooperation agreement signed between GAZ-SYSTEM S.A. and PJSC "UKRTRANSGAZ" in December 2014, the feasibility study will be used as the basis for further decisions to develop cross-border transmission capacity between Poland and Ukraine.The work on the feasibility study was summarised on 8 and 9 October 2015 in Lviv by the representatives of GAZ-SYSTEM S.A. and PJSC "UKRTRANSGAZ". During the meeting the final arrangements on technical and business specifications of the project were taken. The conducted analyses and final recommendations of the feasibility study will be used as the basis for further action involved in the delivery of the investment project.
The planned Gas Interconnection Poland–Ukraine includes the construction of a new gas pipeline between the Hermanowice gas node on the Poish side and Bliche Volytsia on the Ukrainian side. The total length of the pipeline is around 112 km. For the proper functioning of the interconnector following investements are necessary to be completed in Poland: construction of the compressor station Strachocina as well as pipelines: Hermanowice - Strachocina, Strachocina - Pogórska Wola, Pogórska Wola - Tworzeń and Tworów - Tworzeń.
The Parties expect that the project can be completed in 2019/2020.
The main objective of connecting Poland's and Ukraine's system is to diversify gas supplies for Ukraine and further integration of transmission systems and markets in the region of Eastern Europe. It is initially assumed that the new interconnection should allow for the increase of the export capacity of gas from Poland to Ukraine to a maximum of 21.9 mcm/day (approximately from 5 bcm/year to 8 bcm/year, depending on the operational parameters of gas transport in the transmission system ). The projeconce completed, will also support the transmission of gas from Ukraine to Poland in the amount of approximately up to 19.2 mcm /day (approximately from 5 bcm/year to 7 bcm/year, depending on operational parameterss of gas transport in the transmission systems).
The development of new transmission capacities would ensure the increase of the energy security and diversification of supplies and sources of gas for Ukraine via Poland. The expected benefits of that project for Poland include increased export capacity and potential for increasing the use of the transmission capacity of the transmission system. Using the interconnection Poland and other EU Member States will also gain access to gas storage facilities in Ukraine. Increasing the capacity of the connection at the Polish-Ukrainian border will create a transportation corridor supporting the integration of the regional natural gas markets and to enhance energy solidarity between EU Member States and countries of the Energy Community.
The North-South Gas Corridor
The integration of Poland's and Ukrainian transmission systems is part of the North–South Gas Corridor connecting the LNG terminal in Świnoujście with Central and Eastern Europe countries via particular countries’ transmission systems and cross-border connections. The objective is to establish a flexible transmission infrastructure in respective countries, connecting Western Europe, Central and Eastern Europe and the Baltic States.
GAZ-SYSTEM S.A. has already started the project in the Polish transmission system as part of the North–South Gas Corridor. This will involve the expansion of a transmission system in western, southern and eastern Poland. Those projects have been classified by the European Commission as Projects of Common Interest (PCI).
GAZ-SYSTEM S.A. has started providing gas transportation services through the Hermanowice point to Ukraine since 1 November 2012. The service is currently provided on an interruptible basis, which means that it may be interrupted or limited due to gas flow conditions prevailing in the Polish or Ukrainian networks. The maximum technical capacity of the transmission of gas through the Hermanowice point to Ukraine, in favourable technical conditions of the spread of gas in both countires, is currently up to approximately 1.5 billion bcm/year.
