ENTSOG Annual Report 2014

Follow-up Processes for Gas Quality Standardisation

Differences in gas quality specifications between different countries could be a barrier to the free flow of gas in the internal market. Therefore, the idea of harmonising specifi- cations has been widely explored by different groups in the recent years. ENTSOG, utilising the experience of its mem- bers, is taking an active role in this area including participa- tion in work groups. ENTSOG has acted on and actively contributed to the gas quality standardisation work performed by CEN in their man- date M/400 (standardisation of gas quality) and M/475 (standard for biomethane). The System Operations depart- ment also oversaw comments submitted from TSOs to the standards committee. ENTSOG pursued the convergence of these standards to the criteria set out in the draft version of the network code, with a special focus on units and odouri- sation practices. ENTSOG also participated in the coordination group of the pilot project for the harmonisation of EU gas quality, led by EASEE-gas and Marcogaz. According to Regulation (EC) 715 / 2009, ENTSOG must adopt recommendations relating to the coordination of tech- nical cooperations between member states and third-country TSOs. In a meeting held at the premises of the Secretariat in Vienna on the 1 October 2014, ENTSOG and the Energy Community Secretariat have agreed to continue the mutually beneficial cooperation commenced in 2013. It was agreed to have a working level meeting in the first half of 2015. The aim is to assist the contracting parties to the Energy Community in adopting the business rules resulting from the NCs. In addition, it was agreed to engage with third-country TSOs to develop an Early Warning System (EWS) particularly in light of the ongoing Ukraine crisis. Therefore, the Energy Commu- nity added the EWS to the agenda of the Security of Supply (SoS) Coordination Group Meeting. The third meeting of the GAS Sub Group was held in Ljublja- na, Slovenia on 7 October 2014. Participants at this meeting found it highly engaging and asked ENTSOG to further involve the Third Countries in the development of the EWS. ENTSOG welcomed this and promised to take further actions in strengthening the cooperation with Third Countries, in line with Annex IV of Regulation (EU) 994/2010 (see also next point). Recommended International TSO Cooperations

Image courtesy of Gasum

ENTSOG Annual Report 2014 |

37