“Conexus” continues planned infrastructure inspection and maintenance works

The unified natural gas transmission and storage system operator “Conexus Baltic Grid” AS (“Conexus”) continues to carry out the infrastructure inspection and maintenance works planned for this year to ensure the safe and uninterrupted operation of the natural gas transmission system and the Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage (UGS) facility. As part of these activities, the company is conducting magnetic tomography inspections of 17 underground gas pipeline sections, covering a total of 71 kilometres of pipelines by the end of the year, as well as carrying out planned well repair works at the Inčukalns UGS facility.

The purpose of magnetic tomography is to assess the technical condition of gas pipelines and identify potential defects in the transmission system in a timely manner. By analysing magnetic fields, this diagnostic method makes it possible to detect corrosion, cracks, deformation and other pipeline defects without interrupting operations. To date, all 17 planned gas pipeline sections have been inspected, while completion of all related works and receipt of the diagnostic results are scheduled by the end of this year.

“Regular inspections of the technical condition of infrastructure and timely repairs are essential to ensure the safe and uninterrupted operation of the natural gas transmission and storage system. We are gradually increasing the scope of repair and maintenance works carried out by our own teams, while also developing our employees’ expertise and making efficient use of available resources. This enables us to organise infrastructure maintenance more effectively while maintaining high safety standards and strengthening security of energy supply in Latvia and across the region,” emphasises Uldis Bariss, Chairman of the Management Board of “Conexus Baltic Grid” AS.

Alongside inspections of the gas transmission system, infrastructure renewal works are also continuing at the Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage facility. This year, “Conexus” plans to repair at least four storage wells using its own resources, as well as renew the gas pipelines connecting the wells, known as flowlines. In total, approximately four kilometres of flowlines are planned to be replaced this year, thereby enhancing the safety and long-term operational reliability of the storage facility.

This year, “Conexus Baltic Grid” AS has already carried out a number of significant maintenance and renewal works on its transmission infrastructure. External pipeline insulation has been renewed along 4.5 kilometres across four gas pipeline sections, and defects in 230 pipes have been repaired. At the same time, internal diagnostics have been carried out on both lines of the Inčukalns–Bērzkrogs transmission gas pipeline, covering 120 kilometres of pipeline, while six gas pipeline crossings beneath roads and railway lines have also been renewed.