According to the gas transmission system operator of Ukraine (GTSOU), liquified natural gas (LNG) opens up new opportunities for Ukraine and the countries of Eastern Europe.
As stated by Olga Bielkova, Director of Corporate Affairs at the GTSOU at the Baltic LNG and Gas Forum, diversification of gas sources and the ability to obtain resources from Norway, the United States, Qatar and other countries will help strengthen the energy security of the entire region.
There are several potential directions for LNG imports to Ukraine, including the Polish terminals in Swinoujscie and Gdańsk (whose construction is scheduled to be completed in 2028), the Klaipeda terminal in Lithuania, the one in Krk island, Croatia and the soon-to-be-completed Greek terminal in Alexandroupolis.
“In the long term, Ukrainian suppliers are interested in the LNG market, as opposed to the spot market, to diversify gas sources,” said Ms Bielkova. “Ukraine also has something to offer our partners: access to UGS facilities, gas transit over short distances between the countries of Central and Eastern Europe and integration of decarbonised gases for industrial needs […].”
Thanks to the strategic investments of Poland, Lithuania, and Slovakia in gas infrastructure – the GIPL interconnector, the Baltic Pipe, the Poland-Slovakia interconnector and the LNG terminals – Ukraine has gained increased access to the LNG market. That’s why the Gas TSO of Ukraine is constantly expanding cooperation with strategic partners to diversify sources and natural gas supply routes to Ukraine.
