More than 20 shippers registered to participate in the first bundled cross border capacity auction between two EU member states. As of today, 22 May 2012, Gasunie TSOs Gasunie Deutschland (GUD) and Gas Transport Services (GTS) will auction bundled capacity at Oude Statenzijl via TRAC-X, the German primary capacity platform. The unique position of GTS and GUD, two cross border TSOs within the N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie group of infrastructure companies, enables the early implementation of the main principles of new European legislation (CAM).

For this service GTS and GUD will offer day ahead firm capacity, in both directions, at their H-Gas flange Oude Statenzijl. This new service strengthens the link between the TTF and GASPOOL hubs and improves the liquidity of the gas market in North-West Europe. GTS and GUD thereby contribute to an efficient functioning of the European gas market and facilitate competition in the interest of gas users in the region. For GTS the bundled capacity auction serves as a pilot for the full implementation of the European Network Codes at all GTS cross border points.

European Capacity Platform
The auction pilot is a further step towards an integrated European gas market. In this context, GTS and GUD have taken the initiative in cooperation with fourteen major European TSOs to move towards a joint European capacity platform. The new initiative links gas markets in five different countries in the core of Europe. Thus, it opens new possibilities for cross-border gas transport to shippers, who will then be able to book capacities at European network points through one single tool. The aim is to make the platform operational by April 2013.

More information: Michiel Bal, pers@gasunie.nl

Gas Transport Services B.V. (GTS)
Gas Transport Services BV is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Gasunie and the designated national transmission system operator. One of GTS's key missions is the non-discriminatory provision of gas transmission services. Such services should enhance security of supply and the proper functioning of the gas market. (www.gastransportservices.com).

Gasunie Deutschland
Gasunie Deutschland is responsible for the management, operating and development of a pipeline network with a total length of about 3,200 Kilometres in Northern Germany.