ACER supports exemption from bi-directional gas flow between Austria and Slovenia
ACER supports exemption from bi-directional gas flow between Austria and Slovenia
What is it about?
ACER has issued a favourable Opinion on the decisions by the Austrian and Slovenian energy regulators to prolong the existing exemption from establishing physical bi-directional capacity at the Murfeld/Ceršak interconnection point between the two countries. The renewed extension would run until November 2029.
The extension was proposed by the Austrian and Slovenian transmission system operators (TSOs) and approved by the national energy regulators. After reviewing the coordinated decisions, ACER endorsed the proposal.
What is bi-directional gas flow capacity?
Under the European Security of Gas Supply Regulation, TSOs must establish permanent physical capacity for gas transport in both directions (bi-directional capacity) at all cross-border interconnection points between Member States.
Where building this bi-directional capacity is not justified, temporary exemptions may be granted following a detailed assessment and consultation with stakeholders, other Member States and the European Commission.
What is ACER’s assessment?
- The TSOs carried out the consultation and decision-making process in a timely and coordinated manner.
- The coordinated decisions comply with the Regulation’s requirements and justify prolonging the exemption.
- Current market signals do not indicate a need for bi-directional capacity from Slovenia to Austria.
- Building such capacity without market demand would result in inefficient investments, as costs would significantly outweigh the expected benefits for Austria’s security of supply.
On this basis, ACER considers the four-year extension justified, provided there are no significant changes in market conditions or infrastructure developments in the meantime.
What are the next steps?
ACER has submitted its Opinion to the Austrian and Slovenian energy regulators, as well as to the European Commission.
Within four months of receiving ACER Opinion, the European Commission may request modifications to the decisions.