RELEASE
In compliance with the principle of transparent, comprehensive and proactive notification of all stakeholders, for the correct understanding of the recently published information related to the Giurgiu-Ruse pipeline in view of the interconnection of the gas transmission systems of Romania and Bulgaria, as far as Transgaz is concerned, the following technical and general clarifications are deemed necessary:
As operators of neighbouring gas transmission systems, Transgaz and Bulgartransgaz EAD agreed in 2009, under a Memorandum of Understanding, to achieve a bidirectional interconnection between the Romanian and the Bulgarian gas transmission systems in order to be able to cover the crisis situations and to strengthen the partnership and solidarity between the two companies.
Subsequently, the parties also considered the possibility to operate the future interconnection under commercial conditions and in 2011, Transgaz together with Bulgartransgaz, undertook the implementation of a functional bidirectional interconnection taking into account the necessities of the Bulgarian partner’s transmission system in terms of reverse flow offtake pressures even if the Romanian gas transmission system (NTS) is operated at lower pressures near the borders.
Therefore, in order to ensure inter alia the maximum operating parameters of the interconnection and a high degree of interconnectivity and flexibility of the NTS, Transgaz committed itself to the staged implementation of the project „Development on the Romanian territory of the National Gas Transmission System on the Corridor Bulgaria-Romania-Hungary-Austria (BRUA), to be completed in December 2019.
After implementing stage 1 of the BRUA project, Transgaz will be able to ensure, at the Ruse/Giurgiu interconnection point, the maximum pressure parameters of the interconnection, in line with the agreed bilateral documents.
On the other hand, in order to allow for a more expeditious use of the Bulgarian – Romanian interconnection in reverse flow, to its full potential, Transgaz will take the necessary steps in view of prioritizing the construction works related to the Podisor Compressor Station.
Moreover, by the time the BRUA project has been completed, so as to enable the bidirectional operation of the Giurgiu-Ruse interconnection, immediately upon its commissioning, even at minimal parameters, Transgaz took all relevant steps to ensure, on seasonal basis (the winter period), an external pressure source located at a 265 km distance from Giurgiu, to guarantee a pressure increase to 30 bars in the border area – which, according to the agreed technological parameters, should allow the Bulgarian partners to take over gas flows of up to 0,8 bcm/y.
However, it is noteworthy that throughout the discussions with the Bulgarian transmission system operator, on the conclusion of an interconnection agreement, Transgaz proposed for the interim period, a transmission capacity on the Romania – Bulgaria direction of 40.000 cm/h in firm flow conditions during the winter period, while the Bulgarian partner proposed, otherwise than as agreed, an offtake capacity of only 6000 cm/h.
Transgaz’ above mentioned actions prove that while acting in good faith and in line with the requirements of an integrated market, Transgaz pays due regard to its obligations in relation to the Romania-Bulgaria bi-directional project and is convinced that through concerted efforts it will manage together with the Bulgarian partner, Bulgartransgaz EAD, to materialize the scope of the bilateral documents concluded in this respect.
INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
RELEASE
SNTGN Transgaz SA informs all those concerned that the company analyses regularly the opportunity to conclude cooperation agreements, partnerships, contracts or transactions in order to enhance the strategic share of the Romanian energy sector in the European market.
We would like to mention that two weeks ago, a delegation from Transgaz carried out a visit in Greece to discuss on the development of the Vertical Corridor to connect the gas transmission systems in Romania, Hungary, Austria, Bulgaria and Greece. This corridor will enable gas transmission from the Caspian Region towards Central Europe. The discussions with the Greek officials were strictly focused on the Vertical Corridor.
Further to the articles published in the Hellenic media regarding Transgaz’ acquisition of a 66% stake in DESFA - the Greek gas transmission operator – we would like to bring to your attention that, if the company’s main shareholder and the other shareholders decide to analyse and consider their involvement in the acquisition of DESFA’s shares as strategic, Transgaz will take all necessary actions to ensure a transparent notification process, in line with its reporting obligations under the capital market laws.
SNTGN Transgaz SA is the technical operator of the national gas transmission system and it is responsible for its operation under quality, safety, efficiency and environmental conditions.
CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
6 november 2016
On 4 November 2016 it was completed the pulling under the Danube river of the 2100 m DN 500 backup pipeline, the works being performed under the execution contract concluded with Inspet SA as the Leader and SC Habau PPS as the Associate, although the grant agreement and the execution contract foreseen 31.12.2016 as the completion deadline. Due to the advanced technology used, the successful technical solutions chosen and the specialist personnel involved, the execution works, the pressure tests, the tying in and commissioning of the pipeline will be completed by the end of November 2016, which is one month earlier than planned.
As of this date the main pipeline has been finalised, tested, accepted and commissioned, being created the technical conditions to ensure gas exports from Romania to Bulgaria. The regulating – metering stations on the territory of Romania and of Bulgaria were built and accepted in order to enable performance of the import and export activities following the signature of the Interconnection Agreement and the approval of the capacity booking methodology.
The Romania – Bulgaria interconnector was estimated to be achieved with a total cost of 23 million euro, of which 10.9 million euro allocated for the works on the Romanian territory and 12.8 million euros on the territory of Bulgaria. The indicative value of the grant for the implementation of the entire project amounts to 8.9 million euro.
The actual undercrossing of the Danube River at Comasca started on 25 September 2016, when the main pipeline was pulled through the drilled borehole under the Danube River. The undercrossing works mean the actual connection of the Romanian and Bulgarian gas transmission systems. At the same time the Giurgiu Gas Metering Station allows reverse gas flow to a maximum 1.5 bcm/year in both directions.
The gas is transmitted through the 5.1 km DN 500 mm gas pipelines from the Giurgiu Gas Metering Station to the Comasca valve assembly (Romania). The length of the Danube undercrossing is of 2.1 km from the Comasca valve assembly to the Marten valve assembly (Bulgaria).
Currently the Romania – Bulgaria interconnector, a pioneering work, is the largest of this kind in Romania and in Europe.
Transgaz is in the final stage of negotiation of the Interconnection Agreement with Bulgartransgaz, the neighbouring gas transmission operator in Bulgaria. The Interconnection Agreement will lay at the basis of the transmission capacity trade.
The Romania – Bulgaria interconnection project is the only project by which it may be ensured the transmission of gas from the Azerbaijan-Turkey-Greece southern route to Austria through the section on the territory of Romania. The gas pipeline from Bulgaria to Austria, via Romania and Hungary (BRUA - PCI 7.15, project of common interest on the first list of PCIs) is very important for the region, since, following its commissioning, the pipeline will ensure the integration of the Southern Corridor gas sources into the Central and Western European markets.
The BRUA project (consisting of two phases according to the CESEC recommendation) is part of the 2014-2023 Transgaz Development Plan and is on the updated list of projects of common interest adopted by the European Commission. The Black Sea shore - Podișor Compressor Station pipeline is also a European project of common interest, connecting with BRUA by taking over the potential Black Sea gas sources.
The BRUA project is developed in the context of the necessity to diversify the gas supply sources of the European countries, increase security of supply to Romania by the access to new sources, the transmission to the Central European markets of the Caspian Sea gas, the ensuring in the Bulgarian direction of a bidirectional transmission capacity of 1.5 bcm/year and the development of a transmission capacity of 1.75 bcm/year in phase I and 4.4 bcm/year in phase II in the Hungarian direction
The pipeline will have a total length of 528 km, a 32"(DN 800) diameter and a design pressure of 63 bar.
SNTGN Transgaz SA is the technical operator of the National Gas Transmission System and is responsible for its operation compliant with the quality, safety, economic efficiency and environmental protection conditions.
INSTITUTIONAL COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT
9 september 2016
Today, September 9th, 2016, on the occasion of the High Level Group of the European Commission initiative on Central and South-Eastern Europe Gas Connectivity (CESEC), in Budapest, the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Grant Agreement for the the route across Romania of the Bulgaria-Romania-Hungary-Austria gas transmission corridor (BRUA) was concluded between Transgaz – the operator of the Romanian gas transmission system and the representatives of the European Commission. Under this Agreement, which is an exceptional result of the CESEC regional cooperation, Transgaz acquires grants amounting to Euro 179.32 million for the implementation of BRUA Project – phase 1.
The CEF Grant Agreement was signed by Dirk Beckers – Executive Director of the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA), by Ion Sterian – the Chairman of Transgaz Board and by Petru Vaduva – Transgaz’ Director General, in the presence of: Maroš Šefčovič – the Vice-President of the European Commission in charge with the Energy Union, Miguel Arias Cañete – the European Commissioner for Climate Action & Energy and Victor Grigorescu – the Romanian Minister of Energy. Due to the EU financial support, Transgaz will be able to consolidate the Romanian gas transmission system, by 2020, to benefit the security of gas supply to Romania and the region.
This event has special significance to our national gas industry considering that the agreement was signed on the day when Romania celebrates the Gas Workers’ Day. Therefore, the grant of Euro 179.32 million for the BRUA project may be deemed to be an award to Transgaz in appreciation of the company’s technical experts and professionals as well as of the company’s management abilities to set in motion such flagship project.
The BRUA project, enjoying the support of the Romanian Government, is a strategic project both for the country and the region, making a contribution to Romania’s economic development, by the horizontal sectoral industry relaunch. This project is estimated to create approximately 4,000-5,000 jobs during the construction phase and approximately 300-400 jobs for an indefinite period of time. The project is undergoing a process of environmental permit acquisition and conclusion of agreements with the impacted land owners.
The BRUA project is developed in the context of the need to diversify the sources of gas supply to EU countries and to increase the security of gas supply to Romania and is aimed to enable access to new sources, to facilitate Caspian gas transmission to the Central and Eastern European markers, to ensure bidirectional gas transmission capacities to Bulgaria (1.5 bcma) and Hungary (1.75 bcma – BRUA phase 1).
This event held in Budapest was attended by Marius Lazurca – the Romanian Ambassador to Hungary, Mihnea Constantinescu – Ambassador at large for energy security, Ciprian Alic – Director of Transgaz Division for EU Funds and International Relations and representatives of the European Commission such as Dominique Ristori – Director General of DG ENER. 2/2
Transgaz is the technical operator of the National Romanian Gas Transmission System responsible for its operation under quality, security, economic efficiency and environmental protection conditions.
CORPORATE COMMUNICATION DEPARTMENT