Lithuania Plans for Gas Transmission Grid with Poland

Lithuania bets on the €558 million gas transmission grid via Poland, considering the project of strategic importance for the entire region and for the completion of a European market. 

“Our gas link with Poland is strategically important for the entire region,” Lithuanian Energy Minister Jaroslav Neverovic said in the statement, referring to the 534 kilometers of pipeline. 

The Lithuanian Environment Ministry has decided on Tuesday that a repeat tender on the country’s hydrocarbons exploration and mining will be needed in the country after the US oil giant Chevron quit its shale gas exploration bid it was granted by the Lithuanian Government in mid September.

Energy climbed recently on the political agenda in Vilnius. Lithuania is trying to diversify its supplies. Shale gas, LNG and pipelines are all part of a broader plan to increase security of supply and decrease prices.

“This project will contribute significantly to realizing one of the EU’s main energy policy goals:  completing the internal market,” explained Neverovic.

Lithuania can now apply for EU funding for the transmission grid, which could also help Latvia and Estonia to decrease its reliance on Russia. The EU recently gave priority status to the project, which could start operations in 2018.