Energinet and the Polish gas transmission system operator GAZ-SYSTEM are now set to accelerate the green transition and increase the reliability of energy supplies, especially in Poland and its neighbouring countries in Eastern Europe.

Last year, the two companies concluded a multi-year cooperation on the Baltic Pipe gas connection, and put the brand new pipeline into operation. The newly built gas connection links the Norwegian gas pipelines in the North Sea with the Danish and Polish gas systems, among other things with pipelines across Denmark and the Baltic Sea. As a result, the Polish security of supply has been significantly increased.

The two companies are now entering into a new collaboration agreement with the aim of promoting the green transition and making energy supplies even more reliable.

The agreement also follows a political statement from August 2022, in which – following the energy crisis and the war in Ukraine – the Baltic States Poland, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Denmark agreed to cooperate more closely on energy supplies and the development of green energy.

"Building on the positive experiences gained during the Baltic Pipe construction, Energinet and Gaz-System are now focusing on ”accelerated decarbonisation through green gasses” and “enhancing regional gas supply security”, says Thomas Egebo, CEO and President at Energinet.

Biogas
Denmark is world-leading in terms of the share of biogas in its gas system and in the production of green gases. Poland holds considerable potential with regard to developing a sizeable production of green gas, and thus contributing to the joint EU goals in the European Commission’s REPowerEU plan, which was adopted following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. One of the objectives of REPowerEU is to significantly increase biogas production in order to promote the green transition and ensure independent energy supplies. The collaboration agreement will facilitate the flow of knowledge about biogas and Danish biogas production experience from Denmark to Poland.

Hydrogen
In return, hydrogen and hydrogen infrastructure knowhow can flow back to Denmark. Today, Poland is Europe’s third-largest hydrogen producer and consumer. In the green energy system of the future, green hydrogen produced using wind and solar power can come to play a vital role – both in terms of tomorrow’s green fuels which are replacing oil and gas, and ensuring the necessary balancing of the electricity system. In light of Denmark’s massive expansion of wind and solar power, large hydrogen plants are expected to become operational in the coming years, so more knowledge is needed about hydrogen infrastructure, hydrogen transport etc.

Baltic Pipe
Finally, Energinet and GAZ-SYSTEM have agreed to ensure that energy supplies in Poland and its neighbouring countries are as reliable as possible, for example by optimal capacity utilisation in the newly built Baltic Pipe.

"I’m proud that Energinet and Gaz-System together finalised the Baltic Pipe project last year in time for winter. Baltic Pipe has always been about security of supply. But 2022 turned out to be the year when Poland and Eastern Europe needed the Baltic Pipe pipeline the most. Now, we’re ready to accelerate our corporation and speed up stable supply and green transition", says Thomas Egebo.

Marcin Chludziński, President of GAZ-SYSTEM, says:

“Together with Energinet, we have delivered Baltic Pipe, the project that is key for the energy security of Poland.  It is our task as the national gas transmission operator to ensure the continuity of natural gas supply through the offshore pipeline but we are also looking forward – towards new energy sources. In keeping with the objectives of the European Union's climate policy, we want to contribute to reducing carbon intensity of the European economy. The Memorandum enables both our companies to take coordinated steps to develop a legislative framework and implement technical solutions for the transmission of biomethane and hydrogen"

Specifically, a number of working groups will, in the coming years, share knowledge across GAZ-SYSTEM and Energinet and work on promoting biogas, hydrogen and reliable energy supplies.

Anna Moskwa, the Polish Minister for Climate and Environment, and Lars Aagaard, the Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities in conversation Wednesday evening in Copenhagen.

Mogens Lykketoft, chairman of the Board of Directors at Energinet.

Photos by Nationalmuseet for Energinet