STORK II
Czech-Polish gas interconnection Bezměrov (CZ) - Hat (CZ/PL border) - Kędzierzyn
EnergyCzechia
Poland
The aim of the bi-directional Czech-Polish gas pipeline project is to increase the transport capacity and facilitate safe and reliable gas transport between the two countries. The construction of such a transport corridor would significantly enhance the security of supply and reduce the Czech Republic's dependence on one single source of gas (regardless of whether on the Russian gas as in the past or on Germany as of today). The interconnector provides the Czech Republic access to other gas sources available in Poland (Norwegian gas via the Baltic Pipe, LNG terminals in Gdańsk (first FSRU unit planned operational from 2025) and Swinoujscie with planned expansion) and, in the future, allowing a bidirectional flow of hydrogen between the two countries' systems.
Most of gas flows into the Czech gas system from Germany. The Czech Republic is practically fully dependent on gas supplies from Germany via VIP Brandov. It is known, that such a dependence on one transit country is always dangerous (pipeline accidents, terrorist attacks, etc.) and vulnerable to supply reductions or even interruptions. Large technical intrastate capacities in Germany towards the Czech Republic are in fact point to point and their reliability depends on gas availability at concrete entry points (i.a. Greifswald). Due to this fact, firm exit capacity towards CZ at the VIP Brandov is currently limited just to ca 20 mcm/day and rest depends on supply situation in these concrete entry points. Unfortunately, capacity reinforcement projects in Germany are planned only for 2028. Should the gas flow from the East has been finally halted in 2025, security of supplies of the Czech Republic and potentially other downstream countries may further decrease.
The project was included in the PCI project list in 2013, in 2015 and in 2017. Although the project was no longer granted PCI status in 2020, the current geopolitical situation makes this project more relevant than ever before. The Czech part of the project consists of the following sub-projects: Bezměrov – Kyselovice, Kyselovice – Hynčice, Hynčice – Libhošť and Libhošť (CZ) – Hať (CZ/PL border).
- 3Q 2024Planning
Contract signed with design and engineering company 3Q/2024
- 2025-2026Design
Submission of joint permit application after public consultation - 3Q/2025 Signing the contract for the supply of materials and with the construction contractor - 1Q/2026 Obtaining the joint permit in legal force - 4Q/2026
- 2027Construction
Securing easements and land purchase - 2Q/2027 Construction - 4Q/2027 Test (commercial) operation - 4Q/2027
- 2028Completed
Commercial operation
The budget below has been prepared on the basis of the Contractor Selection and Material Selection Documents in the details of the Project Implementation Documents. Indexed prices from the last similar projects implemented (85 km DN1000 and 150 km DN1400) were used to price the main items such as pipe material, ball valves and civil works.
Total 9 800 mil. CZK (without value added tax)
secured
Financing should be secured from external sources, a loan from the state is expected, which will have the character of a subsidy towards the Czech national operator in the full amount of investment costs. The subsidy should be provided by a mechanism that ensures the financing of the project on the part of the national operator.