The transmission system operators (TSOs) in Estonia, Latvia and Finland - Elering, Conexus Baltic Grid, Gasum and Baltic Connector – have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the matters to be solved, if the countries decide to harmonize the regional gas markets in the future. The first steps for harmonization between Baltic and Finnish gas markets become possible in 2020 when the Balticconnector pipeline connects the Estonian and Finnish gas markets. Even before the possible harmonization takes place, the regular discussions between the TSOs bring new possibilities for co-operation in developing cleaner, effective gas markets in the region.
The TSOs have signed a joint Memorandum of Understanding to illustrate their willingness to continue co-operation in the future to improve the functioning of their respective national gas markets, and to ensure gas is a competitive alternative for users in industry and transport. The memorandum is open and foresees the option for other TSOs to join the discussions at a later stage.
The memorandum of understanding discusses the matters, terms and definitions which need to be solved if the Baltic countries and Finland decide to proceed with market integration in the future. This integration requires a separate political decision from the countries involved. Estonia and Latvia have already set a goal to fully integrate their gas markets from the beginning of 2020.
Gas increases its importance as a cleaner alternative for industry and transport, as the need for climate change mitigation becomes more urgent. Co-operation between regional TSOs is an important channel for exchanging ideas, thoughts and concepts to improve the effectiveness of the gas markets, and to find shared opportunities for providing cleaner, cost-competitive alternatives for energy users in the Baltic countries and Finland.
Based on the memorandum, the TSOs will now continue dialogue on pre-conditions for increased co-operation between the operators, to improve the functioning of the existing national markets and to create a basis for discussing possible further market integration in the future.
Inquiries:
President and CEO, Herkko Plit, tel. +358 50 462 0788
Estonian, Latvian and Finnish TSOs continue discussions about harmonizing the regional gas markets, 12.10.2018.pdf
Koko: 0,08 MB Tyyppi: pdfEstonian, Latvian and Finnish TSOs continue discussions about harmonizing the regional gas markets, 12.10.2018.pdf
Koko: 0,08 MB Tyyppi: pdfBaltic Connector Oy is a state-owned company set up in 2015 to implement the Finnish part of the Balticconnector gas pipeline to be built between Finland and Estonia. When completed, Balticconnector will connect the gas networks of Finland and the Baltic countries and will enable the opening of the gas market in Finland. The EU has granted funding to cover 75% of the project, and the Balticconnector gas pipeline is due to be completed by 2020.
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