Ukraine and Poland nearly double the capacity of their gas link
The Ukrainian Energy Ministry announced on Friday that the gas transmission system operators in Poland and Ukraine would double the capacity of the interconnector from 6.4 million cubic metres of gas per day to 12.4 mcm.
After Russian shelling, Ukraine wants to import large quantities of U.S. Liquefied Natural Gas via Germany, Greece and Lithuania in order to prepare for the heating season.
The Polish route is the main gas import destination for Ukraine. The role of Poland's gas distribution system will continue to grow as it provides access worldwide to natural gas sources, including liquefied gases.
The auctions will allow for higher volumes, and the auction for July's increased volumes is scheduled for June 16.
It said that the capacity boost was a temporary measure before upgrading the Hermanowice Metering Station, which would ensure a stable capacity on a longer-term basis.
Gaz-System had previously stated that the upgrade to the Hermanowice Station would be completed by the end of 2025, or as early as 2026. The cost could reach 8 million zloty (2.12 million dollars).
Orlen, a Polish refiner, and Naftogaz (Ukraine's state-owned energy company) have agreed to work together in the LNG industry. Orlen has already sold Naftogaz 300 mcm LNG.
Ukraine announced that it will import 5.6 million cubic meters of gas from Poland this Friday. (Reporting and Editing by Franklin Paul, Elaine Hardcastle and Marek Strzelecki)
(source: Reuters)
