Installation of new gas compression unit at Inčukalns underground gas storage facility

Continuing the modernization of the Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage Facility (UGS) within the framework of the European investment project of common European interest, the single gas transmission and storage system operator Conexus Baltic Grid AS ("Conexus") has started the installation of the Solar Turbines Titan 130 gas compression unit manufactured in the United States of America at the Inčukalns UGS. This will significantly improve the safety and operational efficiency of the storage facility by increasing the natural gas pumping capacity.

As part of the modernization, the Solar Turbines Titan 130 gas compression unit with two centrifugal compressors and supplied by the internationally recognized Solar Turbines company, will be installed. The installation of the new gas compression unit is expected to be completed by November 30, 2025. The construction works are being carried out by Olimps Ltd.

"The Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage modernization project has been one of our strategic priorities for several years, and we are pleased that the finishing line is now in sight for this massive project - it will be completed by the end of next year. The project has involved a number of major tasks and has been implemented in several phases. This year, the first stage of the construction of gas collection point No.3 has been completed, enhancement works were carried out on six wells, and at the end of this year the installation of the new gas compression unit at compressor station No.1 started and will continue next year," said Uldis Bariss, Chairman of the Board of Conexus.

He adds that the improvements made as part of the modernization project have contributed to the efficiency and sustainability of the repository, reducing resource consumption and environmental impact.

Inčukalns UGS upgrade works will be implemented by the end of 2025, with a total investment of EUR 99.5 million, of which EUR 44 million is covered by the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF).

The project will improve the above-ground infrastructure, including the reconstruction of Gas Collection Point 3, the enhancement of wells, the modernization of the existing five gas pumping units and the installation of a new gas compression unit, improving the security of natural gas supply, increasing the operational capacity of the storage facility and facilitating integration into the international energy market.