Baltic, Finnish gas TSOs sign memorandum on promoting development of green gases

  • 2021-09-14
  • BNS/TBT Staff

TALLINN – The gas transmission system operators (TSOs) of Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania --  Gasgrid Finland Oy, Elering AS, JSC Conexus Baltic Grid and AB Amber Grid -- have signed a memorandum of understanding on promoting the development of green gases.

Green gases, for example, biomethane, synthetic methane or renewable hydrogen, are gases that are produced from renewable energy sources. Green gases contribute to the diversification of renewable energies and higher flexibility of the European Union’s energy system. Considering the goals of national energy and climate plans, the European Green Deal and by signing the memorandum, the TSOs identified potential areas of green gas research, development and cooperation to work towards decarbonization and sustainability, Elering said in a press release.

The TSOs see that moving towards 2030 and beyond, the climate targets would require joint research in green gas area, coordinated regulatory approach and close cooperation in technical field, while respecting the principle for safe and efficient use of the interconnected infrastructure.

The TSOs intend to cooperate in joint research regarding possible gas transmission infrastructure decarbonization solutions, the integration of green gas solutions into existing infrastructure, the development of new infrastructure (when current infrastructure cannot ensure the technical requirements of green gases), cross-sectoral integration, other technological processes and pilot projects. Joint research would be the first step towards understanding the best possible decarbonization solutions.

Common efforts towards establishing principles for coordinated regulatory approach, for example, in the field of harmonized Guarantee of Origin system or harmonized technical standards, would benefit the market participants in the whole region, reducing administrative burden, incentivizing green gas development, and at the same time ensuring safe and secure delivery of gas to the consumer. Where possible, the TSOs commonly identify technical challenges or issues regarding hydrogen (or other green gases) integration into the gas transmission system and also considering issues that may occur in the gas distribution level, or in the regional gas market.

The TSOs believe that following the main principles agreed in the memorandum would lead to a smoother energy transition and efficient use and development of regional gas system that would be in line with EU’s climate goals and would bring secure, efficient and low-carbon energy to the Baltic states and Finland.