On Thursday, 5 May, a special festive ceremony was held in honour of the opening of the Polish-Lithuanian gas interconnection (GIPL). The ceremony was attended by Latvia’s President Egils Levits, Lithuania’s President Gitanas Nausėda, Poland’s President Andrzej Duda, European Commissioner for Energy Kadri Simson, as well as other high-ranking officials from Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland.
At the GIPL opening event Latvia’s Minister of Economics Jānis Vitenbergs said this is a historical moment for Lithuania, Poland and the entire Baltic region and yet another step towards diversifying gas supplies and ensuring security of energy supplies.
«Now Latvia and other Baltic States will be able to receive gas supplies not only from Klaipeda liquefied natural gas terminal but also any country and terminal in Europe. This further outlines out strong will to stop using imports of Russian gas,» said the minister.
The new Jauniūnai gas compressor station is the final destination of the 508 km long GIPL gas pipeline in Lithuania. Its output is 34.5 MW. GIPL pipeline will connect Lithuania, other Baltic States and Finland with the European Union’s gas market, diversifying available gas supply roads and further enhancing security of energy supplies, BNN was told by the Ministry of Economics.
«The Polish and Lithuanian gas interconnection and its operations affirm the solidarity of our region’s countries and our commitment in resolving complicated problems to enhance the region’s energy independence. Reaching this goal – enhancement of the gas market and security of gas supplies – will require completion of other regional gas infrastructure projects in Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland and Poland,» said the minister.
GIPL project was commenced on 11 May 2018, when transmission system operators in Baltic States and Poland completed the signing of the agreement on coverage of cross-border expenses of the Polish-Lithuanian gas interconnection project. The gas interconnection commenced operations on 1 May 2022, ensuring gas flow in both directions. GIPL will integrate the gas markets of Baltic States and Finland into the single EU gas market, diversifying access to alternative gas supply sources and increasing competition in the region.