Polish LNG terminal influence on natural gas quality available in the Polish gas transmission network

Abstract

Technical start of LNG terminal in Swinoujscie, was a significant milestone in the history of Polish natural gas network development. Polish gas market is now open for suppliers from all over the world. Energy security has been significantly increased. LNG terminal availability may guarantee security of supply and also stabilize composition and other physicochemical NG parameters. The analysis of NG characteristic changes after the start of deliveries from LNG terminal is presented in this document. Concentration of methane, ethane, propane, nitrogen and parameters like gross calorific value and Wobbe index for 16 regularly distributed exit points were investigated. The chosen parameters and ingredients were matched with gas from vaporization process. 913 days before and 912 days after the terminal launch were chosen. Quality measurements of NG were made by Gas Transmission Operator GAZ-SYSTEM S.A. with chromatographs and published on their official website. Volumes of LNG vaporized during the tested time were consumed by increased demand of end users and developing underground gas storages. NG from terminal was not a substitute of fuel from other import directions. It has been proven that gas from LNG terminal could have direct and indirect influence for gas collected in exit points. Indirect influence appeared with increasing distance from Swinoujscie entry point. South-east parts of Poland were totally free of LNG regasification process influence. High purity and higher energy density of NG from vaporization process has positive influence for transmitted gas quality. Gas mixture from interconnection points, LNG terminal and domestic production meets the standards of NG quality. This mixture can be used by all end users without complaints.