Ukraine may receive gas from Azerbaijan through Trans-Balkan pipeline

Azerbaijan may become one of the new sources of gas supplies to Ukraine, Andriy Prokofyev, head of the account management department of the Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine (GTSOU), said following the meeting of Ukraine–Azerbaijan working group on cooperation in the energy sector, Report informs, referring to Ukrinform.

"We very much appreciate the cooperation between the oil and gas companies of Ukraine and Azerbaijan and are interested in its development. And what is important, Azerbaijan is interested in developing gas supply opportunities to Ukraine," he noted.

To date, the transportation of natural gas from the Republic of Azerbaijan to Ukraine is possible through Turkey's territory and then through the Trans-Balkan pipeline.

In August 2020, for the first time at the request of its clients, GTSOU carried out reverse-flow deliveries of gas through the Trans-Balkan gas corridor – from Greece through the GTS of Bulgaria and Romania to Ukraine, demonstrating the technical capability of the Trans-Balkan route.

As noted, since 2020, the interstate connection points of Ukraine and European countries have been operating in accordance with the requirements of the Third Energy Package of the EU with ensuring free access of third parties to capacities through auctions.

"The Gas Transmission System Operator of Ukraine continues to cooperate with partners from Romania and Moldova on the development of natural gas transportation along the Trans-Balkan route to increase import capacity, which will provide even better conditions for cooperation with Azerbaijani partners," Andriy Prokofyev added.

Gas consumption in Ukraine is about 30 billion cubic meters per year, of which about 20 billion cubic meters is covered by domestic gas production, and the demand for imported gas is about 10 billion cubic meters.