Polish gas grid operator Gaz-System and Danish firm Energinet on Friday formally decided to go ahead with plans to build a pipeline linking Poland with Norway via Denmark, according to reports.

The project to build the Baltic Pipe gas pipeline is part of Warsaw’s efforts to diversify gas supplies and reduce the country’s energy dependence on Russia.

Construction of the new pipeline is due to start in 2020 and last two years, public broadcaster Polish Radio’s IAR news agency reported.

The Baltic Pipe will carry 10 billion cubic metres of natural gas to Poland annually, according to IAR.

A long-term gas supply contract between Poland and Russia is set to expire at the end of 2022, after which the country wants to maximise exploitation of its north-western Świnoujście Liquefied Natural Gas terminal, as well as using its own resources and importing gas via the Baltic Pipe.

(pk/gs)

Source: PAP/IAR