Ukrtransgaz applies for certification by European norms

MOSCOW. Jan 30 (Interfax) - Ukrtransgaz, operator of gas storage facilities in Ukraine, has filed a certification request with the National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC).

"The certification process has begun. Ukrtransgaz formally announced its readiness for certification of gas storage facilities by European rules on January 27 and filed a respective request with NEURC," the Ukrainian media quoted the operator as saying on a social network on Saturday.

The company said it thus complied with Ukrainian laws and initiated the certification procedure endorsed on January 25.

"The Ukrtransgaz team has collected and prepared all documents necessary for certification as soon as it could. We realize the importance of this procedure for safe gas supplies to both Ukraine and Europe," Ukrtransgaz CEO Roman Malyutin said.

In his words, the law gave the operator one month since the certification procedure was endorsed, but he acted on the second working day.

Consistent with the procedure, the regulator will verify documents enclosed with the application and circumstances essential for certification. "Ukrtransgaz is ready to assist NEURC in the process of clarification of all necessary details," the company said.

NEURC approved the procedure for certification of the Ukrtransgaz gas storage facility operator on January 24. The regulator elaborated the procedure to implement European laws, certify the gas storage facility operator, harmonize its operations with international standards, and ensure compliance with the regulations for risk prevention in safe transportation of natural gas and current Ukrainian laws.

In particular, it endorsed the list of documents and information to be provided by an applicant for certification and the certification procedure.

In the words of NEURC head Konstantin Ushchapovsky, certification will significantly strengthen the operator's position on the European market.

He also said that the Ukrainian operator might be certified before certain operators in Europe.

NEURC member Alexander Formagei noted that successful certification depended on the operator in the first turn, as it should make a respective request and present a proper package of documents for the commission to discuss and make a preliminary decision, He added that NEURC would coordinate its preliminary decision with the Energy Community Secretariat before pronouncing the final decision.