Specialists of the GTSOU took part in the gas quality workshop in Thessaloniki (Greece), organized as part of activities agreed upon during the CESEC Gases Plenary Meeting. The event took place at the training center of DESFA, the operator of the Greek national gas transportation system (GTS). The main agenda of the meeting was the discussion of ways to harmonize gas quality standards in the countries of South Eastern Europe.

Historically, gas has been transported from east to west, and its physical and chemical properties consistent with Russian gas. However, the the end of gas transit and the European Union’s policy of diversifying its supplies – in particular, through increased imports of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and resources from alternative sources — have made such requirements obsolete.

At the same time, each country in the region has different standards for gas composition. These discrepancies are established at the regulatory level and reflected in contracts between GTS operators. This creates technical barriers that hinder the efficient use of the regional gas transportation infrastructure.

To expedite the standards reconciliation, GTS operators FGSZ (Hungary) and DESFA (Greece), with the support of CESEC, have developed a roadmap. It comprises a series of meetings aimed at standardizing the physical and chemical properties of gas at the regional level.

Experts from the Gas TSO of Ukraine are actively engaged in this process. During the meeting, the Ukrainian delegation held numerous working meetings with representatives of other countries to discuss ways to harmonize regulatory requirements. A presentation was given based on the experience of collaborating with neighbouring operators, highlighting the vision for further cooperation and including proposals for the standardization of physical and chemical gas properties.

“Unification of gas quality standards is a key condition for enhancing the flexibility and reliability of the regional gas market. Ukraine, as an essential element of the European gas transportation system, is keen on establishing uniform requirements that will streamline the smooth transportation of energy resources and promote market integration,” said Vladyslav Medvediev, Chief Operating Officer of the Gas TSO of Ukraine.

The meeting participants agreed to continue cooperation and further coordination within the CESEC initiative. The GTSOU will remain actively involved in this process, contributing to the development of the unified European gas market. The harmonization of gas quality standards is not just a technical matter, but also a significant step towards enhancing energy security and competitiveness in the European gas market.