Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine wants to create guaranteed capacity to operate Trans-Balkan route in reverse mode

MOSCOW. Nov 30 (Interfax) - GTS Operator of Ukraine is proposing to create guaranteed capacity along the entire Trans-Balkan route to operate the gas pipeline in reverse mode, Ukrainian media is reporting, citing the company's press service.

GTSOU CEO Dmitry Lippa presented the project in Sofia at a meeting with the heads of GTS operators from Bulgaria, Greece, Slovakia, Romania and Hungary.

During the meeting, representatives of the Ukrainian operator drew attention to the need to expand the capacity of the Romanian and Bulgarian gas transmission systems, since the capacity of the latter is critical to ensure additional flow.

"The market demand assessment conducted jointly by the gas transmission system operators of Ukraine, Romania and Moldova, showed the need for 20 mcm per day of gas transport along the Trans-Balkan route to Ukrainian underground storage facilities. The Trans-Balkan corridor can satisfy the demand of customers who plan to transport gas from the Balkan direction to consumers in Eastern and Central Europe, as well as provide the opportunity to store gas in Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities," Lippa said.

The GTSOU said that, thanks to the existing infrastructure, the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline is already operating partially in reverse. Over 0.5 bcm of gas were pumped along this route in 2023.

The Trans-Balkan gas pipeline runs through Ukraine, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria and Turkey.