Elering’s Development Plan Predicts a Temporary Increase in Gas Consumption and an Extended Lifespan for the Transmission Network 

Elering is submitting its development plan for the Estonian gas transmission network for 2025–2034 to the Competition Authority. The plan confirms a high level security of natural gas supply for this winter and outlines the expected developments in the transmission network over the next decade. 

The development plan confirms that the region’s gas reserves and supply channels are sufficient to ensure security of supply throughout the heating season this winter. The region’s energy security is supported by the Inčukalns gas storage facility, Lithuania’s Klaipėda LNG terminal, Finland’s Inkoo LNG terminal, and the Lithuanian-Polish Gas Interconnection (GIPL), which connects the region to continental Europe. 

According to Reigo Kebja, member of Elering’s management board, the interdependence between the electricity and gas systems has become increasingly evident due to ongoing changes in the energy sector. While Estonia’s long-term consumption of natural gas is declining, demand is expected to rise in the coming years following the integration of new gas-fired power plants into the gas network – particularly during cold and windless periods. 

“New gas-fired power plants, which help to ensure security of electricity supply when there is neither wind nor sunlight, will strengthen the role of the gas network,” said Kebja. Discussions are also underway regarding the introduction of a capacity-based tariff structure for gas. “New gas consumers will also help to stabilise gas transmission network charges once the main network transitions to a capacity-based transmission fee,” Kebja explained, emphasising the need for adjustments in the tariff structure. 
 
To support Estonia’s energy security and security of electricity supply, the goal is to extend the operational lifespan of the gas network until 2050, enabling the development of controllable power generation, including power plants utilising renewable gases. Reigo Kebja highlighted that to ensure the pipeline remains operational until 2050, additional work must begin next year. “Extending the network’s lifespan until 2050 will require increasing investments in the transmission network compared to current levels,” Kebja noted. 

Renewable gases, such as biomethane and green hydrogen, will play a key role in achieving carbon neutrality in the future. The adoption of hydrogen and the Nordic-Baltic Hydrogen Corridor project lay the foundation for a sustainable energy supply and the region’s competitiveness in the European energy market.  The development of hydrogen transit infrastructure has entered the feasibility study phase, which includes the initiation of national planning processes. In Estonia, planning is set to begin in 2026.  
 
Elering continues to invest in the transmission network and renewable gas infrastructure, ensuring both long-term energy security and the transition to green energy.  

The development plan also underwent a public consultation, during which discussions were held with market participants regarding their proposals. The final development plan was presented to market participants on 19 February at Elering. We would like to thank all parties for their contribution to the development plan. 
 
The Estonian Gas Transmission Network Development Plan 2025–2034, prepared by Elering, is available on Elering’s website: Natural Gas Transmission Network Development Plan | Elering.