Fluxys and GRTgaz: open season with a view to developing firm transmission capacity from France to Belgium

2010-05-31

Fluxys and GRTgaz are committed to promoting the efficiency and fluidity of the North-Western European gas market. To this end, the two companies jointly launch an open season process to assess the level of demand for long-term transmission capacity from France to Belgium.


The open season is launched in response to market signals indicating such interest and constitutes a valuable opportunity to strengthen the interconnection between transmission networks, security of supply and market liquidity in Europe.


Transmission capacity from France to Belgium: two possible scenarios

Currently the interconnection between the networks of GRTgaz and Fluxys only provides firm transmission capacity from Belgium to France. Through the open season process, Fluxys and GRTgaz are to evaluate the level of market demand for two possible interconnection scenarios.

  • The first scenario involves creating new capacity at the existing interconnection point Taisnières H (France) - Blaregnies (Belgium) through the construction of a deodorization facility at Taisnières H. This scenario would provide maximum transmission capacity from France to Belgium of 300,000 m³ (n)/h.
  • Fluxys and GRTgaz consider a second scenario which could provide transmission capacity from France to Belgium up to an indicative level of 1,500,000 m³ (n)/h. In this scenario a new interconnection point between France and Belgium would be built in the region of Furnes, together with a pipeline linking the interconnection point with the Zeebrugge area.


Gas flows from France: optimum destination flexibility through the Fluxys and GRTgaz networks

Either scenario would link the Zeebrugge and PEG Nord spot markets (Point d’Échange de Gaz Nord) and offer system users optimum destination flexibility for their gas flows from France.

The entry/exit transmission model in France enables system users to transfer gas easily and without restrictions between PEG Nord, the LNG terminals, the underground storage facilities and the interconnection points with southern Europe:

  • the South Zone of GRTgaz and the Zone TIGF connected to Spain,
  • the Oltingue interconnection point, which gives access to Italy through Switzerland.


In addition the Fluxys network enables system users to carry their flows to all the major markets in North-Western Europe, including:

  • the United Kingdom, via the Interconnector subsea pipeline at Zeebrugge,
  • the Netherlands, via the Zelzate interconnection points,
  • Germany, via the Eynatten interconnection points,
  • the Belgian market. 



 

New capacity available in 2015 at the latest

The level of transmission capacity to be made available will depend on the conclusion of long-term agreements. Both operators aim to commission the new capacity in 2015 at the latest, but the actual commissioning date will depend not only on the scale and nature of the new infrastructure required, but also on lead times for obtaining permits and licences both in France and Belgium.


Information Memorandum available

Fluxys and GRTgaz will inform a wide range of companies active in the energy sector about the project and an Information Memorandum can be downloaded form both operators’ websites. The Information Memorandum outlines the two interconnection scenarios and the services that Fluxys and GRTgaz plan to offer. Furthermore, as detailed in the Information Memorandum, an information session will be held in mid-June to explain the project in detail and answer any questions .

> Information Memorandum    pdf
> Attachments: non-binding capacity form and confidentiality agreements    pdf


Non-binding phase ending on 26 August 2010

During this non-binding phase of the open season process, companies interested in the project are invited to express in good faith their needs by 26 August 2010. Provided there is enough interest during this phase, Fluxys and GRTgaz will continue the project by launching the binding phase in autumn 2010.


Press contacts


Fluxys
Bérénice Crabs
Tel.: +32 2 282 72 30
berenice.crabs@fluxys.com 		GRTgaz
Christophe Feuillet
Tel.: +33 1 47 54 23 68
christophe.feuillet@grtgaz.com






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