Amber Grid : to allocate close to EUR 2 million to modernise important elements of the gas transmission system

Gas transmission system operator Amber Grid will digitise control of the Jauniūnai gas compressor station in Širvintos District and will install a new gas transmission system security element in the gas pipeline in Marijampolė District. This is provided for in the agreements signed with the Lithuanian Business Support Agency (LBSA), according to which gas system modernisation projects will receive European Union support. The projects, which are valued at close to EUR 2 million, will be implemented by the spring of 2023. Half of this amount - approximately EUR 1 million - will be financed from EU Structural Funds.

'The main goal of these investments is to ensure system security and eliminate the possibility of network disruptions through targeted investment in the digitisation of the gas system and the introduction of state-of-the-art technology. We aim for the remotely controlled gas transmission system to function safely and reliably,' says Amber Grid Technical Director Andrius Dagys.

As part of the modernisation project, the Jauniūnai gas compressor station system will be equipped with a remote backup data centre, fire detection and extinguishing systems that meet modern needs, and modern software and hardware that will ensure the safety and reliability of the gas transmission system. This will significantly strengthen control of the gas transmission system in the event of an unforeseen situation. Gas compressor stations are an essential element of the gas transmission system designed to increase the gas pressure so that the gas flows cover the required distances.

To ensure the safe and uninterrupted transmission of natural gas to consumers in Marijampolė Municipality and Vilkaviškis District, a pressure limiting unit will be installed in the gas pipeline to the Marijampolė gas distribution station, and its operating parameters will be monitored and controlled remotely.

The Lithuanian gas transmission system consists of 2,115 km of high-pressure gas pipelines, 65 gas distribution stations, and two gas compressor stations in the districts of Širvintos and Panevėžys. As part of the GIPL project, another 165 km section of pipelines is currently being installed, which will connect Lithuania - as well as the other Baltic States and Finland - to the Western European gas transmission system.

A modern gas transmission system adapted to today's gas consumption needs and maintained in a timely manner ensures an uninterrupted and safe supply of gas to residents and businesses, less environmental pollution, and optimal network maintenance costs. More than 55 terawatt hours (TWh) of gas are transported per year through the Lithuanian gas transmission network.