The Balticconnector gas pipeline , which connects Finland and Estonia and was damaged in October , is preparing to resume commercial operations on April 22 , according to Janne Gronlund, an executive at Finnish gas system operator Gasgrid.
Gronlund shared this update during an industry conference on April 17, marking a significant step toward restoring critical infrastructure also affected by simultaneous damage to three telecommunications cables.
The importance of the Balticconnector gas pipeline
This submarine link is vital for the energy security of the region, whose vulnerability was exposed after the incident. “We are currently in the process of commissioning the pipeline and hope that by Monday of next week, the pipeline will be available again for commercial use by market participants.“Gronlund explained.
Over the winter, Finland managed to compensate for the loss of damaged pipeline capacity thanks to the floating LNG terminal at Inkoo, which was leased in 2022 as a measure to replace Russian gas supplies following the outbreak of the conflict in Ukraine . Satu Mattila, CEO of Gasgrid Floating LNG Terminal Finland, confirmed that the storage and regasification unit (FSRU) will continue to operate normally despite the commissioning of the Balticconnector.
” All its capacity until the end of September has been sold ,” Mattila told Reuters, adding that reservations until December would open no later than May and for 2025 capacity from mid-July this year.
The reintegration of the Balticconnector gas pipeline undoubtedly reinforces energy stability between Finland and Estonia, as well as highlighting the growing importance of diversified energy infrastructure in Europe.
The region faces the challenge of balancing dependence on energy imports with the need to develop local and renewable energy resources, a balance that will be crucial for energy security and sustainability in the future.
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Source: hartenergy.com
Photo: shutterstock
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