Two markets become one – Sweden and Denmark reach agreement on harmonisation
Published 17.5.2018 08.26
The Swedish and Danish gas transmission network companies Swedegas and Energinet have decided to make the investments necessary to integrate the gas markets in Sweden and Denmark. This initiative will reinforce security of supply and lead to more participants entering the gas market. It is also in line with the EU’s endeavour to harmonise markets within the Union.
Market integration offers several benefits:
• Improved security of supply by merging the transmission systems and as a result becoming more robust and less sensitive to variations
• More gas traders on the market means increased competition, benefitting end-users
• More effective administration.
“This development of the Swedish gas market is taking place with the end-user firmly in focus,” said Johan Zettergren, Swedegas CEO. “Our ambition is to make it straightforward and attractive for industry, the transport sector and households to choose gas, including renewable alternatives.”
The aim is for the joint balancing zone to be operational by April 2019. Discussions are taking place with market organisations to determine which adaptations and adjustments to IT systems and routines will be required as part of the preparatory process.
“A joint balancing zone will make the Danish/Swedish gas market more interesting. We will now begin to develop the solution in collaboration with the market bodies concerned in order to optimise the value,” said Jeppe Danø, Director, Gas System Operator, Energinet.
The project has its own website: https://en.energinet.dk/Gas/Shippers/Swedegas-Joint-Balancing-Zone
For further information, please contact Saila Horttanainen, Vice President, Communications, Swedegas, +46 70 622 76 06, or Jeppe Danø, Director, Gas System Operator, Energinet, +45 23 33 88 05.
