The GIPL pipeline project between Lithuania and Poland should be completed as soon as possible, according to Algirdas Butkevicius, Lithuania's prime minister on Thursday.
Butkevicius who met with Polish Prime Minister, Ewa Kopacz, in Brussels discussed mutual energy projects particularly the stalled gas pipeline interconnection between their two countries.
'The smooth implementation of the electricity interconnection project 'LitPol Link' is an example of our excellent cooperation. We should follow this example when implementing another mutual project – the gas pipeline interconnection between Lithuania and Poland, GIPL,' said Butkevicius.
GIPL is a joint venture which was announced in 2011 between the Lithuanian energy company Amber Grid and the Polish gas transmission system operator Gaz-System.
The feasibility study for the project was prepared in 2013 and its engineering design and construction will be completed in 2019. However, progress on the financing of the project has been slow prompting Lithuania's prime minister to urge his Polish counterpart to promptly resolve such issues.
“The implementation of GIPL would ensure the support for the EU energy union and eliminate energy islands,” Butkevicius said, adding that is essential to solve the issue of financing this project as soon as possible because it is the only project that is able to integrate the Baltic States into the European gas market.
The goals of project are to integrate the isolated gas markets of Baltic countries into a single EU gas market, diversify gas supply sources and routes, ensure security and reliability of gas supplies and allow Baltic countries access to the global LNG market.
By Murat Temizer
Anadolu Agency
murat.temizer@aa.com.tr