Slovakia’s Eustream Advances with Interconnections to Hungary, Poland, Ukraine
The long-waited interconnection projects in Europe are advancing at a fast pace, on fears of diplomatic and economic tensions that might further endanger European energy security.
‘Slovak gas transmission system operator Eustream is progressing in implementation of its long term strategic plans to secure gas infrastructure interconnections with Hungary and Poland. The new interconnection point Budince with Ukraine is also on track as envisaged in the Memorandum of Understanding with Ukrtransgaz,’ reads a note released by Slovakia’s Eustream.
According to the company, an interconnection between Hungary and Slovakia is almost ready, with testing operations set to begin in September.
‘Polish-Slovak Interconnector – being on the priority EU PCI list and forming part of European Energy Security Strategy - is in the phase of preparatory works… It is envisaged that the project could be operational in 2018. Eustream also welcomes that the project also enjoys support of both countries‘ presidents,’ Eustream wrote.
Finally, Eustream is also working on the Vojany pipeline from Slovakia to Ukraine.
‘The project is on track and the contracted booked capacity shall be ready for the shippers on September 1st, 2014 with pre-commissioning testing towards the end of August 2014.’
EUROPEAN UNION
The European Union is trying to support energy efficiency measures to decrease its reliance on Russia. Interconnections will be clearly in the spotlight as well. The Polish-Slovak Interconnector is indeed already on the priority EU PCI list and it is part of European Energy Security Strategy.
‘In the EU budget for the 2014-2020 Multiannual Financial Framework, funding for energy efficiency has significantly increased. A minimum of €38 billion will be available for low-carbon economy investments under the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds from 2014 to 2020 – this sum will be multiplied by national and regional co-funding and by attracting private capital. In addition, Horizon 2020 (H2020) and the European Structural and Investment (ESI) Funds can be tapped in order to spur innovation that benefits energy efficiency,’ reads a note released by the European Commission on Wednesday.
According to EU estimates, for every additional 1% in energy savings, gas imports are expected to fall by 2.6%.