Direct connections

Direct Connections

“Conexus Baltic Grid” AS, as the natural gas transmission system operator, is obligated within its licensed area to ensure that biomethane producers, liquefied natural gas (LNG) system operators, and natural gas users are provided with the necessary and technically feasible connections to the natural gas transmission system or with changes to the permitted load of an existing connection. This is done in accordance with the regulations issued by the Public Utilities Commission – “Connection Regulations for Natural Gas Distribution System Operators, Biomethane Producers, LNG Terminal Operators, and Natural Gas Users”.

A direct connection is a natural gas system installed at the transmission network either for the extraction of natural gas or for the injection of natural gas or biomethane.

Steps for Establishing a Connection

(Note: The process for modifying the permitted load is the same as for establishing a new connection.)

The total duration for establishing a connection depends on the complexity of the planned connection, the scope of the technical requirements, the time required to develop construction documentation, and the delivery timelines of the necessary equipment and materials. On average, the process can take from 15 to 20 months. This includes preparation and approval of construction documentation, equipment procurement, construction works, and commissioning of the direct connection.

Step 1 – Consultation and Application Submission

• Before submitting an application, biomethane producers, LNG system operators or natural gas users (hereafter – system users) must evaluate the planned connection location, considering the long-term capacity needs and the associated costs.

System users with capacity up to 250 MW/year and pressure lower than 16 bar typically choose to connect to the distribution system, while those with higher capacity or pressure above 16 bar may opt for connection to the transmission system.

• After evaluation, users must consult Conexus specialists about possible connection options. During consultation, users must be prepared to answer:

1. What is the planned volume of gas to be injected/extracted (per hour and per year)?
2. Where is the location of the object to be connected?
3. Will the connection be used for gas extraction or injection?

Following the consultation, users must submit an official application to establish a connection.

Step 2 – Technical Requirements

The system operator will issue the technical requirements, including design and operational parameters, within 60 days of receiving the application.

If the case is complex or the user has not submitted all necessary information, the operator will notify the user in writing within 10 days from the application date and explain the extended timeline.

Step 3 – Conclusion of Agreement

Once technical requirements are issued, the system user and system operator sign an agreement outlining responsibilities, including development and approval of construction documentation, contractor selection, and timelines.

For injection connections (natural gas or biomethane), the agreement must also specify the required equipment and deadlines for its delivery.

Step 4 – Start of Construction Process

According to the agreement, either the user or the operator organizes the preparation of construction documentation, contractor selection, equipment supplier procurement, and other preparatory activities.

If Conexus manages this process, it must follow the regulations and select contractors through a transparent and objective procedure.

Step 5 – Signing of Connection Contract

Within 40 days after fulfilling the agreement's conditions, the system operator sends a draft connection contract to the user.

The user has 30 days to provide justified objections. The operator will respond or provide an updated contract within 10 days if the objections are valid.

If the user neither signs the contract nor provides objections within 30 days, the operator may cancel the application and the issued technical requirements.

The contract is signed once construction documentation is finalized, the building permit conditions are fulfilled, and a contractor is selected.

Step 6 – Construction

Before construction begins, the user must comply with regulations for working in Conexus gas infrastructure zones.

The user must also have valid property rights or land use rights for the territory where the connection will be established.

Construction is carried out in line with the signed agreements. Once built, the connection is tested, approved, and put into operation.

The process is considered complete once the user has fulfilled all obligations and the operator confirms that the connection is ready for use.

Step 7 – Start of Connection Operation

Before gas extraction or injection can begin, the user must sign a transmission service agreement and a balancing agreement, or appoint a party that already has such contracts in place. More details are available here: https://www.conexus.lv/parvade-2

If the connection is for injection of natural gas or biomethane, a cooperation agreement between the system user and Conexus must also be signed after commissioning.

These agreements are mandatory before the connection can be operated.

Useful Information

The quality of natural gas and biomethane injected into the transmission system must comply with Cabinet Regulation No. 50, adopted on 21 January 2025: “Regulations on the Requirements for Injection of Liquefied Natural Gas in Gaseous State, Renewable Gas or Low-Carbon Gaseous Fuels into the Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution Systems”.

If the biomethane production site is not located near the transmission system, biomethane can be delivered via transport to a public biomethane injection point. More information about the public injection point is available here.