Ukraine’s energy regulator has approved a joint mechanism to streamline natural gas imports into the country via the Trans-Balkan corridor, paving the way for coordinated transmission services with regional partners, Interfax-Ukraine reported.
The National Energy and Utilities Regulatory Commission (NEURC) adopted the decision on May 27, allowing Ukraine’s gas transmission system operator, GTSOU LLC, to cooperate with transmission operators in Bulgaria (Bulgartransgaz), Greece (DESFA), Moldova (VestMoldTransgaz SRL), and Romania (Transgaz SA).
The resolution, titled “On the specifics of capacity allocation at the interconnection points with the Republic of Moldova and Romania for transport services provided jointly with the operators of the Trans-Balkan gas transmission corridor,” enables a single auction mechanism for allocating capacity along the entire corridor.
The corridor includes a natural gas route from Greece to Ukraine, with an anticipated daily capacity of approximately 3 million cubic meters.
NEURC said the move will enhance the appeal of Ukraine’s natural gas market and expand diversification of supply sources.
“This, in turn, will strengthen the energy security of the region in the context of the ongoing military aggression by the Russian Federation,” the regulator said.