NERC Approves the Amber Grid Gas Transmission Network Development Plan

The Lithuanian gas transmission system operator Amber Grid has received approval from the National Energy Regulatory Council (NERC) for its gas transmission network development plan. It will be prepared every two years. 

The plan envisages investments in developing the gas transmission system up to 2033 to achieve the strategic objectives of the European Union and Lithuania in the gas sector. It is to ensure the security and reliability of gas supply, foster competitiveness, and develop a common Baltic state’s regional gas market.

€201 million in investments

The gas transmission network is expected to require around €201 million in investments over the next decade. These investments will amount to around €138 million over the next five years.

“We estimate that gas will be needed for at least a few more decades as a significant source of industrial resources and energy system stability. Lithuania’s gas transmission network, which has been operating for around fifty years, must be in good condition, so investment in infrastructure modernisation is a crucial part of our commitment to consumers to build a safe and reliable transmission network.

“In parallel, we will continue to focus on integrating and diversifying renewable energy sources such as biomethane and green hydrogen,” says Nemunas Biknius, CEO of Amber Grid.”

During the public consultation on the 10-year network development plan, market participants expressed great interest in the first published hydrogen network plan and its details. The possible network solutions outlined in the Network Development Plan for 2024-2033 were coordinated with the electricity transmission system operator Litgrid and its network development plans.

The 10-year plan reflects up-to-date information gathered during consultations with potential green hydrogen project developers in Lithuania and international partners planning to implement the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor project.

Key aspects of Amber Grid 2024-2033 network development plan:

• €201 million investment to upgrade existing gas infrastructure,
• ensuring the security of the transmission network and improving resilience to crises,
• developing alternative energy sources, integrating renewable energy,
• developing a hydrogen transport network, synergies between the gas and electricity sectors,
• reducing greenhouse gases (GHGs).

Amber Grid is the operator of the Lithuanian natural gas transmission system, which is responsible for the transmission of natural gas to consumers and the operation, maintenance, and development of infrastructure.

Amber Grid’s goal is to transform the natural gas system by 2030, adapting it to transport renewable energy resources safely and creating a cleaner future for everyone. They plan to adapt the gas transmission system to new energy so that Lithuania’s pipelines carry natural gas and hydrogen. 

Amger Grid aims to contribute to a climate-friendly economy. By selling green energy in Lithuania and abroad, we reduce the impact of climate change by focusing on energy from renewable sources.