Ukraine and Poland ponder creation of a joint “gas hub”

Source: Ukraine’s energy ministry

Ukraine and Poland are joining forces to establish the Eastern European Gas Hub, which can help reduce dependency on Russian gas. The plan seeks to integrate gas markets by leveraging existing infrastructure and expanding cross-border capacity to foster trade.

Deputy energy Minister Mykola Kolisnyk, said on Thursday the effort will replace Russian gas with what he called an  “independent molecule”, and promote more competitive market.  Kyiv earlier offered Warsaw to sign a deal to create cross-border “entry-exit” points for gas transmission systems and increase throughput capacity.

According to Kolisnyk, the project can secure long-term contracts and ensure sufficient gas storage for the entire region. He also claimed that the developed infrastructure between Ukraine and Poland could redirect the gas volumes previously supplied by Russia.

In March 2024, Ukraine and Poland signed a Memorandum of Cooperation to integrate their gas markets. The document outlines key areas of collaboration, including establishing long-term capacities at interconnections, removing barriers to cross-border gas trade, and exploring liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation using Ukraine’s vast storage facilities.