In the midst of the 32nd Economic Forum in Karpacz, Poland Daily 24 had the privilege of sitting down with Mr. Andrzej Kensbok, the Vice President of the GAZ-SYSTEM Management Board, to discuss the crucial role that GAZ-SYSTEM plays in securing Poland’s gas infrastructure and ensuring energy security in the region.
Poland, like many European nations, has been diligently working to diversify its gas sources, reducing dependence on Russia, and fortifying its energy security. At the heart of this effort stands GAZ-SYSTEM, the gas transmission system operator responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of natural gas across Poland.
In the interview, Mr. Kensbok shed light on GAZ-SYSTEM’s significant responsibilities and ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing gas security in the country.
GAZ-SYSTEM’s Key Infrastructure and Initiatives
GAZ-SYSTEM owns and operates an extensive network of gas pipelines, encompassing a staggering 14,000 kilometers. Additionally, the company manages several LNG terminal presses, including the strategically located facility in Świnoujście, and oversees the Polish section of the Baltic Pipe, a project that strengthens the country’s connectivity with neighboring gas markets.
Mr. Kensbok also highlighted the company’s involvement in various projects designed to increase gas transmission and unloading capacity. One noteworthy initiative currently in development is the LNG terminal in the Gdańsk Bay. This maritime terminal, set to utilize regasification vessels and Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs), aims to further diversify gas supply sources and bolster the nation’s energy security.
Immediate Plans for Gas Security
When asked about the immediate plans for enhancing gas security in Poland, Mr. Kensbok emphasized the continued commitment to diversification. He pointed out that over the years, Poland has made significant strides in reducing reliance on Russian gas sources, a direction that the country intends to persistently follow.
Among the ongoing projects to fortify gas security, the expansion of the Świnoujście LNG terminal is a key endeavor. This expansion will result in increased regasification capacity, the addition of a second quay, and the capability to load LNG, catering to the growing demand for liquefied natural gas, particularly in maritime operations.
However, gas security is not limited to physical infrastructure alone. Mr. Kensbok underlined the importance of cybersecurity and resilience to potential threats. GAZ-SYSTEM works closely with law enforcement agencies, including the Border Guard, the Polish Police, the Territorial Defense Forces, and the Polish Armed Forces, to ensure the safety and security of critical infrastructure. This cooperation involves sharing information about infrastructure locations, threat assessments, and building readiness to respond effectively.
The conversation with Mr. Kensbok reaffirmed the pivotal role that GAZ-SYSTEM plays in securing Poland’s energy future and underscored the importance of continued investment in gas infrastructure to meet the evolving energy needs of the country and the region.
There is the whole interview with English subtitles below.