Sources and transmission routes
Through its link to the pipelines of neighbouring countries, the Slovenian gas transmission network is an integral part of the European network. Geoplin is Slovenia’s largest natural gas trader, and one of the most important companies in the Slovenian energy sector, with many years of tradition. The company supplies natural gas to large customers based on multi-year or short-term agreements. Customers are provided competitively priced and highly reliable supply from several purchasing sources and storage facilities abroad, and the organisation of the transmission of natural gas via international pipelines, from the shipping points of foreign suppliers to the Slovenian border.
Natural gas is currently supplied to Slovenia from Russia and individual hubs on the European gas market, as a combination of long-term agreements and short-term purchases. Natural gas flows physically from Austria through the Ceršak entry point, and from Italy through the Šempeter entry point. Natural gas at the trading hubs on the European market is pumped from Europe, Northern Africa and Russia. In addition to pipelines, liquefied natural gas supplied from North Sea gas terminals is also used in transmission.
Natural gas is transmitted to Slovenia via high-pressure transmission pipelines. From Russia, these pipelines pass through Ukraine, Slovakia and Austria. The existing Slovenian pipeline system is more than 1,060 km long, with pipes up to DN 800 mm in diameter and under an operating pressure of up to 70 bar.
The efficient transmission of natural gas from remote pumping stations to end-users is possible via international high-pressure transmission pipelines. Prior to transmission, a technological process is used to clean natural gas of impurities and other unsuitable matter. The flow of natural gas via pipelines is made possible by compressors, which increase the pressure in pipes and thus push the gas forward. Compressor stations are located every 70 to 180 km.
Use of storage facilities
Using underground natural gas storage facilities, Geoplin balances the demand of customers and the supply of natural gas producers, and thus optimises its portfolio. Underground storage facilities also improve the reliability of supply in the event of limited deliveries from abroad or due to extraordinary weather conditions.
Long-term sources, direct from producers and the reliability of supply
Geoplin trades and acts as an agent and intermediary on the natural gas market in Slovenia and neighbouring countries. Based on a contractual relationship, the company provides the reliable supply of natural gas to special customers in accordance with the relevant standards. Special customers include households, and customers who perform healthcare, childcare, education, social security and similar activities. The law defines in detail the right of special customers to required quantities of natural gas, and ensures they are the last to have their supply cut.
Geoplin forecasts natural gas consumption for its balance group. This serves as the basis for balancing needs and the delivery of natural gas to the gas supply network. The end result for customers is the optimisation of costs. Long-term agreements ensure reliable supply, while the development of the European gas market requires a greater presence on gas hubs, via which short-term trading brings the necessary flexibility and the tracking of daily prices. Geoplin will continue to strive for efficient and high-quality supply to its customers. It is therefore expanding intensively across European gas markets.
