Ukraine, which is currently receiving gas from Poland and Hungary, will receive reverse gas flow from Slovakia as early as on September 2, when the reconstructed Vojany-Uzhorod pipeline begins commercial operations, according to Slovak pipeline operator Eustream.
The capacity of the Vojany-Uzhorod pipeline is 10 billion cubic metres of gas per year. Eustream added that due to its long-term contract with Gazprom, Russia would deliver gas to Slovakia even if it ever involved through an alternative route.
On August 17, Eustreamand Ukraine started tests of reverse-flow gas at the compressor station of Velke Kapusany and at the Voyany-Uzhgorod gas pipeline. The testing phase includes the launch, verification, and reliability checks of the pipeline.
Eustream’s gas deliveries will first amount to 3.2 billion cubic metres a year. As of March 1, 2015 the pipeline will be working at its maximum capacity.
Flows from Poland to Ukraine have been stable (approximately 4 million cubic metres per day) since mid-April. Flows from Hungary started only at the end of May and fluctuated between 5-10 million cubic metres per day.
“And the found solution for reverse flow Slovakia to Ukraine viathe Vojany-Uzhorod pipeline has a clear perspective that 22 million cubic meters of gas a day can flow from Slovakia to Ukraine,” a source close to the EU told New Europe on August 19. This corresponds to approximately 8 billion cubic metres a year.
The source noted that gas flows to the EU are normal. And the Ukraine continues injecting gas in its gas storage facilities and levels are increasing. The current level is at15.2 billion cubic metres.
Russian gas monopoly Gazprom on June 16 cut gas supplies to Ukraine because of lingering debt disputes. Multiple rounds of talks on the new price and debt repayment mediated by EU Energy Commissioner Günther Oettinger failed.
On 24 July, Oettinger met Ukrainian Energy Minister Yuriy Prodan in order to discuss issues relating to security of gas supply. Reverse flows from EU Member States to Ukraine played a central role in the discussion.
Oettinger offered his support to explore possibilities with Member States and companies concerned how these flows can be reinforced.
Gas flows from the EU to Ukraine are important to ensure that Ukrainian gas storages are sufficiently filled ahead of winter.It was agreed to set up a Working Group with representatives from the European Commission and Ukraine in order to exchange regularly information on gas flows from the EU to Ukraine and address any issues as necessary.This Working Group is currently meeting twice a week in a telephone conference.
http://www.neurope.eu/article/can-reverse-gas-flows-help-ukraine