Today, Romania recorded the highest daily consumption of natural gas in the current cold season, reaching a total of 54 million cubic meters. Data published by the operator of the national natural gas transmission system, Transgaz, indicates that this record consumption is fueled by low temperatures and increased demand for electricity and heat production.
According to Transgaz, the gas consumed today comes from three main sources:
- Current domestic production: 24.4 million cubic meters
- Extraction from underground deposits: 25.1 million cubic meters
- imports: 8.6 million cubic meters, made through Bulgaria
This imported quantity is one of the largest entering the system this cold season. Although there is no official confirmation, the imports could include Russian gas transported through the Turk Stream pipeline, but there is also the possibility that they come from other sources.
Exports to the Republic of Moldova
Of the 54 million cubic meters consumed today in the national network, 4.1 million cubic meters are exported to the Republic of Moldova. This volume is lower than the daily average since the beginning of the year, which was around 5 million cubic meters.
Gas energy – the main engine of electricity production
According to Transelectrica data, natural gas is today Romania’s main source of electricity production. Gas plants supply the National Energy System with a power of approximately 1,900 MW, which significantly contributes to the increase in demand for natural gas.
Gas reserves and extraction capacity
The level of gas stocks in Romania’s underground storages was at 57% on January 14, a level lower than the European average of 64%. However, domestic gas production gives the country a significant advantage. The daily extracted volume of 25.1 million cubic meters is below the maximum extraction capacity of the deposits, which is 29-30 million cubic meters.
The general director of Transgaz, Ion Sterian, confirmed that the level of consumption recorded today is the highest since the beginning of winter. “We consume gas at maximum capacity, but the system works well due to the balance between domestic production, extraction from deposits and imports,” he said.
Source: www.cotidianul.ro
