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

Figure 9: Natural gas network in Slovakia (source www.sppdistribucia.sk)
The transmission grid is operated by eustream a.s. which is a 100 % subsidiary of
Slovenský plynárenský priemysel a.s., a joint venture between the Slovak state as
a majority shareholder and Eon Ruhrgas and Gaz de France. Eustream is
responsible for transport of natural gas in Slovakia and furthermore through
Slovakia to the European markets.
SPP distribúcia a.s. as DSO is the owner and operator of a gas distribution network,
which accounts for approximately 98 % of the gas volumes distributed in the
territory of the Slovak Republic. The company is a 100 % subsidiary of Slovenský
plynárenský priemysel too with the same shareholders as eustream. SPP distribúcia
is responsible for the reliable, safe and efficient distribution of natural gas from
transmission networks through gas distribution systems to end consumers. It is
also responsible for securing connection to the distribution network and for meterreadings
of consumed natural gas.
The Regulatory Office for Network Industries is the supervising authority in charge
of regulating the natural gas market. The scope of its competence is defined in the
Act No. 276/2001.
Natural gas is mainly used for electricity and heating. About 21.5 % of the total
electricity is produced from natural gas (2009 figures). The utilisation in the
transportation sector is of minor relevance. Today around 900 cars run on CNG and
13 filling stations offer natural gas. These numbers might increase in the near
future since a new program aims to encourage people to purchase CNG cars. The
project is under Slovenský plynárenský priemysel and the foundation EkoFond and
provides grants of up to 2,000 € per new CNG vehicle.
Technical standards for biomethane and natural gas
The regulation of the Ministry of Economy of the Slovak Republic No. 337/2005
Coll. sets out the details of the technical conditions for access and connection to the
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