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Gas transmission in Europe
GRTgaz, a subsidiary of GDF SUEZ in charge of gas transmission, is determined to continue developing its network in France and is committed to the harmonisation of rules and practices in order to foster interconnections between European networks.
A major network in Europe
GRTgaz operates and sells capacity in one of the longest transmission networks in Europe, spanning more than 31,717 km. The Group also holds stakes in several gas transmission companies in Germany, Austria, Belgium (Fluxys) and Slovakia.
Between now and 2013, the target is to increase the capacity of the transmission system by 15%.
Fluxys, in which GDF SUEZ holds a 45% stake, manages the gas transmission network in Belgium.
Fluxys employs 1,000 people and is listed on the Euronext Brussels stock market.
To find out more
What is a transmission network?
A transmission network is a set of infrastructure elements comprising high-pressure pipes.
These convey natural gas:
- towards industrial consumers who are linked directly to the network,
- towards the distribution networks.
The regulatory framework
In Europe, the 2003/55/EC directive on the internal market in natural gas which was adopted on June 26, 2003 imposed a legal, functional and accounting separation between entities which manage the transmission and distribution networks.
The regulators of the various countries of the European Union are in charge of ensuring transparency, non-discrimination and respect of the confidentiality of commercially sensitive information.
Harmonising the rules and practices followed by the various operators
The aim of the interconnection contracts which were signed in 2007 with the bodies in charge of managing the networks in Belgium and in Germany was to eventually do away with the technical and commercial hindrances to cross-border trade in natural gas.
Safety, a key priority
The Group spent 39 million euros in 2007 on implementing a new set of rules governing the operation of the network, as well as on ongoing inspection and refurbishment of the network. Another 50 million euros will be spent on this in 2008.
The interconnection agreements signed with E.ON Gastransport and RW Transgas Net
In 2007, the Group’s transmission subsidiary in Germany, GDF DT, signed interconnection agreements at the Czech and French borders with the German operator, E.ON Gastransport, the Czech operator, RW Transgas Net, and GRTgaz. GDF DT operates one of the most important sections for transporting Russian natural gas (1,077 km of pipes).