© HSUP31st Meeting of Gas Professionals 20165. Introductory presentation and panel discussion: Supplying gas in a liberalised market
Lectures preceding the panel discussion provides a clear overview of inequality in the level of development of the natural gas market in the region, where Serbia is a country in which the process of market liberalisation and finding the path to supply diversification is yet to begin, including Hungary which already possesses 6 years in successful application of the above mentioned. Temporary cancelling the principle of “take or pay” in the contract between Naftogaz and Gazprom is presented in the context of possible future consequences and the supply of natural gas by Ukraine. In contrast, Croatia, which has in a short time made progress in developing its market, anticipates next year the final phase of market liberalisation, specifically households.
The treated issues such as deregulation of prices to households, implementation of the balancing code, the role of REMIT the development of an LNG terminal, were a introduction to a broad panel discussion - a panel of representatives covering all factors of the gas chain and chaired by Prof.D.Sc. Igor Dekanić. The conclusion at the end of the panel discussion was rational knowledge that the companies acting as suppliers and distributors will face a big challenge in terms of personnel, organisational and financial aspects due to new market competition in the future and accompanied by the substantial role of the Croatian Energy Regulatory Agency as the regulator.
6. Technical, economic and other issues associated with the LNG and LPG
The future role of gas is one of the most important points in future energy consumption, and is associated with very uncertain predictions in pricing gas, as elaborated in the introduction. Subsequently, a reference was made to explaining optimisation of urban gas networks in the future thermal energy market, and thereafter a look at the models of assessing risks associated with the gas usage in industry using examples from France. Gas has one of the most significant roles in decarbonisation of the transport industry, and a presentation of possibilities and potential in the Republic of Croatia was given in regard to the low-carbon strategy, which preluded talks on LNG in the transport industry.
An in-depth presentation is given of the possible LNG uses as a substitute for diesel fuel in maritime transport on the Adriatic Sea, and a thorough overview of the possible development of LNG consumption in smaller scopes such as truck transport, smaller boats, port infrastructure and the like, including practical examples from the EU. The issues involving losses due to evaporation of LNG and expenses incurred during transport on tankers, were the focus of talks held at the end after the afternoon presentations.
7. Gas meters and calibration stations issues, the gas supply and demand relationship in Dalmatia
At the beginning, the importance of compliance with industrial standards and checking leakages at flange connections were given including the proper choice of materials for safety reasons. Subsequently, a presentation was given of current state of laboratory operations in testing the calibration of gas flow meters in the Republic of Croatia, where from a total of 9 laboratories, 6 of them have obtained or are in the process of obtaining accreditation as inspection bodies. Experience acquired in Germany was also presented, including the use of closed high-pressure calibration systems for meters, and thereafter data on the mode of operation of ultrasonic gas flow meters under operating conditions after calibration using air at atmospheric pressure. Finally, the final section of the topic presents the latest indicators on progress of the gasification of Dalmatia which seem to be encouraging, given that half-yearly gas consumption in 2016 totalled practically almost the total amount for 2017.
8. Technical regulations and rules of the profession for safe and efficient gas use
The development and significance of odorization in the gas system of the Czech Republic was emphasised by the company RWE, due to reduced operating costs and an increase in safety levels. Likewise, particular emphasis was placed on the safety zone in manner of operation and access by the Ex Agency through application of EU regulations in areas of natural gas and liquid petroleum gas plants. Subsequently, the proactive approach of DVGW and its role in organising the gas market was expounded. Finally, the legal problem of utilising EU funds through a fast-track procedure was presented and the way of simultaneously undertaking coordination with public authorities, which proved to be a limiting factor in ongoing implementation of projects.
© HSUP31st Meeting of Gas Professionals 2016As was the case in previous years, this time as well, due to the large number of registered papers the poster session was organized. Total of 8 scientific & professional papers from Croatia and abroad were published and presented.
At the same time in front of the Grand Hotel Adriatic congress hall premises the largest three-day exhibition of gas equipment in South-East Europe took place where 44 exhibitors of whom 15 from abroad, presented their products and services. The exhibition was attended by representatives of gas equipment manufacturers and traders who have actively participated as exhibitors at Opatija Meetings of gas professionals for a number of years, but also a significant number of new exhibitors, from Croatia and especially from abroad, have participated for the first time, which proves continued growth of interest for exhibiting on the annual gas technology exhibition in Opatija.
At the end of this year´s conference, Prof.D Sc. Šunić, president of Croatian Gas Association, thanked all participants who have contributed to the success and quality of the annual gas event, which has managed to gather even more experts than the last year and once again proved its quality and size despite the challenging times we have been witnessing for many years. Prof. Sunic also announced the next conference, the 32nd International Scientific & Expert Meeting of Gas Professionals, which will take place again in Opatija on 3rd till 5th of May, 2017.
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