CRE Publishes French Network Code

French energy regulator CRE released July 27 its deliberation (in French) of a few days earlier, relating to the introduction of a single gas market zone in France which remains scheduled for November 1 2018.

It sets out how capacity restrictions should be managed, particularly in the context of maintenance, and the operation of congestion removal mechanisms, as well as procedures for monitoring the levels of gas storage facilities downstream of congestion points. The report is the culmination of long preparations by both transmission system operators (the main two being GRTgaz and Terega) and CRE, in consultation with the market players, which has already enabled France to amalgamate seven market areas in 2003 to two zones in 2015 and soon to move to one - in line with a target set by Cre in 2012.

The July 24 CRE document also includes a few proposals from GRTgaz and Terega in the case that key gas infrastructure upgrades and improvements, notably the strategic Val de Saone project, are delayed.

GRTgaz proposes that, if a delay in completion of the Val de Saone upgrade is announced before September 1, then the single market should be deferred until the first of the month following its completion. A number of shippers argued there should be no deferral of the November 1 single market implementation. Final approvals to put Val de Saone into service are due to be given in August. CRE therefore ruled that GRTgaz and Terega must both confirm, via their websites at least, and by September 1 at the latest, if they are ready to proceed with the November 1 date, and that they will only be allowed to defer it - at that stage - in the event that Val de Saone is not going to be completed in time.

Lisbon meeting

An update on progress with that pipeline project was one of the items, along with other mostly electricity interconnector projects that should improve energy trade between the French and Iberian markets,  that were discussed at a meeting of the French president, Spanish and Portuguese prime ministers and top European Commission officials late last week in Lisbon. NGW asked for an update too on any discussions of the long-stalled MidCat gas pipe proposal between Spain and France, on which Spain's Enagas is undertaking a feasibility study.