Balticconnector

For the planned subsea pipeline between Germany, Denmark and Sweden, see Baltic Gas Interconnector. For the planned subsea pipeline between Denmark and Poland, see Baltic Pipe.
Balticconnector
Location
Country Finland
Estonia
General direction north–south–north
From Ingå, Finland
Passes through Gulf of Finland
To Paldiski, Estonia
General information
Type natural gas
Partners Gasum
EG Võrguteenus
Expected 2016–2018
Technical information
Length 79 km (49 mi)
Maximum discharge 2 billion cubic metres per annum (71×109 cu ft/a)
Diameter 20 in (508 mm)

Balticconnector is a proposed natural gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia, which would connect Estonian and Finnish gas grids. The pipeline would increase Finnish import capacities by providing access to the Latvia's natural gas storage in Inčukalns.

The project was proposed by the Finnish natural gas company Gasum in cooperation with Eesti Gaas of Estonia. After implementation of the EU third energy package, EG Võrguteenus, a former subsidiary of Eesti Gaas, replaced the latter.[1] Balticconnector will assist ensuring security of gas supply in the region for both sides of the Gulf of Finland. In addition, the pipeline will enable construction of the regional liquefied natural gas terminal either in Ingå (Finngulf LNG project) or in Paldiski (Balti Gaas project).[2]

The feasibility study was completed in May 2007. A preliminary environmental impact assessment programme was done in 2010. In 2010, the European Commission financed the investigation of possibilities to create more diversified natural gas grid within the Baltic Sea Region, which included also the Balticconnector project.[2] The seabed studies started in November 2013.[3][4]

The 79-kilometre (49 mi) long DN500 pipeline will be laid at seabed of the Gulf of Finland starting from Ingå in Finland to Paldiski in Estonia. There was also a proposal for alternative 140-kilometre (87 mi) long route from Vuosaari (district of Helsinki] to Paldiski.[5]

In Estonia the pipeline will be connected to the existing DN700 transmission pipeline from Latvia. The capacity of pipeline will be 2 billion cubic metres per annum (71 billion cubic feet per annum).[6][7] It would cost €110 million.[3]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "Gasum plans Estonian connection". The Baltic Times. 2013-11-27. Retrieved 2014-01-24.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 BEMIP Gas Regional Investment Plan 2012–2021 (PDF) (Report). ENTSOG. pp. 14; 21; 68; 71. Retrieved 2014-01-24.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Balticconnector Seabed Studies Under Way". ERR. 2013-11-20. Retrieved 2014-01-24.
  4. ↑ "Balticconnector gas pipeline sea bottom studies start in Estonia". The Baltic Course. 2013-11-20. Retrieved 2014-01-24.
  5. ↑ Balticconnector Executive Summary (PDF) (Report). Gasum. February 2011. Archived from the original on 2012-03-24. Retrieved 2011-05-15.
  6. ↑ "Finns plan new subsea gas link". Upstream Online (NHST Media Group). 2007-05-31. Retrieved 2007-10-13.
  7. ↑ "Gasum to study pipeline link between Estonia and Finland". Helsingin Sanomat. 2006-01-02. Archived from the original on 22 May 2011. Retrieved 2011-05-15.

External links