Finnish gas grid operator Gasgrid on Thursday said commissioning of the Balticconnector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia was still technically possible in April of 2024, provided that ongoing design and repair work was successful.
“Based on the information obtained from the inspection of the pipeline, the actions for repairing the pipe have now been planned more precisely, and the repair plan has progressed in accordance with the set objectives,” the Finnish gas grid operator wrote in a press release.
“Materials needed for repairing the pipeline have been manufactured and the selection of the key partners is completed. Commissioning of the Balticconnector -pipeline in April 2024 is technically still possible, but it requires success in the planning and repair work,” it added.
Gas supply in Finland stable
Gasgrid further added that the Finnish gas system currently maintains a stable status, with a reliable supply of gas being facilitated through the LNG terminal in Inkoo. According to the gas grid operator, this terminal is equipped with both the capacity and capability to meet Finland's gas requirements, even during the winter season when the demand for gas naturally increases.
The operator further explained that to guarantee uninterrupted gas supply throughout the winter, market participants have received directives to secure the necessary gas provisions. This involves placing orders to either the Inkoo or Hamina LNG terminals.
Balticconnector outage
In the early hours of October 8, 2023, Gasgrid Finland and Elering AS, the Estonian gas transmission system operator, detected a significant drop in pressure in the Balticconnector, an offshore gas pipeline connecting the two countries. The pipeline was quickly isolated, following the discovery, by shutting the Balticconnector’s valves.
“Materials needed for repairing the pipeline have been manufactured and the selection of the key partners is completed. Commissioning of the Balticconnector -pipeline in April 2024 is technically still possible, but it requires success in the planning and repair work,” it added.
Gas supply in Finland stable
Gasgrid further added that the Finnish gas system currently maintains a stable status, with a reliable supply of gas being facilitated through the LNG terminal in Inkoo. According to the gas grid operator, this terminal is equipped with both the capacity and capability to meet Finland's gas requirements, even during the winter season when the demand for gas naturally increases.
The operator further explained that to guarantee uninterrupted gas supply throughout the winter, market participants have received directives to secure the necessary gas provisions. This involves placing orders to either the Inkoo or Hamina LNG terminals.
Balticconnector outage
In the early hours of October 8, 2023, Gasgrid Finland and Elering AS, the Estonian gas transmission system operator, detected a significant drop in pressure in the Balticconnector, an offshore gas pipeline connecting the two countries. The pipeline was quickly isolated, following the discovery, by shutting the Balticconnector’s valves.
The abrupt pressure drop led to suspicions of pipeline damage and a consequent leak. Fortunately, the gas leak was halted before any additional damage occurred.
Source: Reuters, gasgrid.fi/en
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