Overview of biomethane markets and regulations ... - Green Gas Grids

Figure 8: Gas transmission grid in Poland (source en.gazsystem.pl)
The sole TSO is GAZ-SYSTEM which is fully state-owned. Its key task is the
transport of natural gas via the 9,768 km expanding transmission network
throughout the country to supply the distribution networks and end consumers
connected to the transmission system.
The distribution system comprises 116,325 km pipeline system in length. Six
regional gas companies of PGNiG handle the local distribution areas and supply gas
to households, industrial customers and wholesalers (Mazovian Gas Company,
Greater Poland Gas Company, Lower Silesian Gas Company, Upper Silesian Gas
Company, Carpathian Gas Company, Pomeranian Gas Company). Moreover, a few
other companies buy gas from PGNiG and sell to end users through their own local
distribution system. The Energy Regulatory Authority governs the gas market in
Poland.
The transport sector for LPG cars is well developed and with some 6,000 LPG
refuelling stops, the infrastructure is well equipped. In contrast, the utilisation of
CNG as a vehicle fuel is still in the early stages. Approximately 2,000 cars run on
CNG at the streets being served by about 30 filling stations.
Technical standards for biomethane and natural gas
The Act of 8 th of January 2010 amends the Energy Act and also other acts (Journal
of Laws No 21 item 104) making important provisions for biogas. The law defines
non-discriminatory access to the grid. The operator of the gas distribution system is
obliged to accept agricultural biogas when conforming with the gas quality
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