Ukraine's Gas Transmission System Operator has suggested that European operators create a guaranteed capacity for the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline to operate in reverse mode. In addition, the pipeline is already partially operating in this mode, the company's website says.
This will make it possible to connect the gas markets of Southeastern Europe, where a significant gas surplus may soon arise, with the markets of Central Europe.
"A market demand assessment jointly conducted by the gas transmission system operators of Ukraine, Romania and Moldova showed a need for 20m cu.m. per day to be transported via the Trans-Balkan route to Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities. The Trans-Balkan corridor can meet the demand of customers planning to transport gas from the Balkan direction to consumers in Eastern and Central Europe, as well as provide an opportunity to store gas in Ukrainian underground storage facilities," said Dmytro Lypa, head of the GTSOU.
Thanks to the existing infrastructure, the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline is already partially operating in reverse mode: in 2023, more than 0.5bn cu.m. of natural gas was pumped through this route.