During the construction of the gas interconnection Poland - Lithuania GIPL, 102 km of the laid new gas interconnection have been tested. The total length of the gas pipeline is 165 km. Conducted hydraulic tests proved the pipeline to withstand maximum pressure loads planned. GIPL gas pipeline pressure in this section will be 54 bar.
The quality of the installed gas interconnection was tested in the pipeline interconnecting Širvintos and Alytus. Upon completion of the hydraulic tests, the special internal diagnostic device was inserted into the pipeline to check geometry of the gas pipeline and the quality of gas pipeline mounting works.
'From the commencement of the GIPL construction, during on year, we completed 70% of works. The most complicated technological solutions have already been completed, we continue laying the remaining pipeline section to the Lithuanian-Polish border. At the same time, already mounted gas pipeline is checked. The gas pipeline will be in operation for years; therefore we must be confident that the gas interconnection important not only for Lithuania but for the whole Baltic Region will operate reliably and if needed, gas transportation at maximum load will be possible', said CEO of Amber Grid Nemunas Biknius.
During installation of the international interconnection of the GIPL, Amber Grid is carrying out strict supervision of the quality of works and products used. To check the quality of the pipeline, all welding seams are examined by using a special X-ray device.
By now, 138 kilometres of the gas pipeline have already been laid from Širvintai to Lazdijai District. At the same time, preparations for construction of an important element of the GIPL project – Santaka gas accounting and pressure regulation station - at the Lithuanian-Polish border are taking place.
Works to connect the gas pipeline elements to the gas transmission information system are carried out at the starting point of the GIPL pipeline, next to Jauniūnai gas compressor station in Širvintos district. At the same time, the GIPL gas pipeline is being integrated into the control system of Jauniūnai gas compressor station.
The GIPL gas pipeline will interconnect the gas markets of Lithuania, Baltic States and Finland with the European Union. The gas pipeline will enable gas extraction from various sources, more effective operation of the Lithuanian gas transmission system and Klaipėda LNG terminal, and assurance of biomethane and hydrogen flows in the region. The GIPL link will have capacity of transportation of up to 27 TWh gas per year in the direction of the Baltic States, and up to 21 TWh in the direction of Poland per year.
