Network development
For over a decade, EUSTREAM’s priority in transmission system development has been to increase energy security. The objective was to build two-way connections with all neighbouring countries, increase transmission efficiency and flexibility, and adjust/increase transmission capacity according to customer demand.
In 2009, we launched reverse west-east transmission and in 2014 we launched a new two-way connection with Ukraine. The Hungary-Slovakia gas pipeline has been in commercial operation since 2015 and next year will see the launch of the Poland-Slovakia Gas Interconnector.
The completion of the Poland-Slovakia Gas Interconnector will end one stage in the development of the gas transmission system. Future investment activities will focus on accelerating preparations for the transmission of renewable and low-carbon gases, including pure hydrogen (“green” or “blue” hydrogen).
The objective of the transmission system development phase to date was European energy security and route diversification, whereas the objective of the new phase will be to support the EU’s climate ambitions defined in the Paris Agreement and the European Green Deal. As a responsible transmission system operator, we seek to actively contribute to making Europe the first climate-neutral continent as soon as possible.
EUSTREAM’s energy transformation plans are based on the advantageous location of its transmission system, which consists of four to five large-diameter parallel gas pipelines connecting Ukraine, the Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and, from 2022, also Poland.
The modernised corridor of several parallel pipelines will allow combined transmission of natural gas and renewable and low-carbon gases, depending on the actual development of European demand.
In energy transformation, we promote responsible solutions, which include maximising the decarbonisation potential of natural gas in the transition period. Until new green energy capacities are fully available, the correct policy is to replace the largest sources of pollution with natural gas, which is a less carbon-intensive alternative. The transition from coal to the right mix of natural gas and renewables is currently a quick and effective solution which, in addition to reducing greenhouse gases, helps to considerably improve air quality.