NEURC made a preliminary decision on the certification of UTG as a European storage Operator

NEURC adopted a preliminary decision on the certification of Ukrtransgaz JSC (UTG) in accordance with European rules regarding the safety of natural gas supply. The relevant resolution was adopted on March 1 during the meeting of the Regulator.

According to UTG, as of today, Ukrtransgaz is one of the first operators of gas storage facilities in Europe, which is moving to the final stage of this process and is already preparing to confirm its right to store gas from European countries in the UGS of Ukraine in accordance with the updated EU legislation.

"Considering the information and documents provided by Ukrtransgaz and the Ministry of Energy, it is possible to conclude that the Applicant does not have ownership and/or control relations that could create risks regarding the safety of natural gas supply," - stated in the justification for the previous decision of the NEURC.

Thus, the Regulator recognized Ukrtransgaz as independent from "third parties" (Russia) and within the next five working days must bring its decision to the attention of the Secretariat of the Energy Community. In the future, the opinion of experts from the Energy Community and the publication of the final decision of the NEURC on the certification of UTG in accordance with the established procedure are expected.

"Ukrtransgaz welcomes the previous decision of the Regulator regarding certification. Successful certification will allow us to continue active business activities on the European gas market, develop new partnerships, and thereby strengthen the energy security of Ukraine and Europe," noted UTG head Roman Malyutin.