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Transmission System Operators (TSO) have been under the obligation, pursuant to Article 19 (9) of EU Regulation 2017/459 (NC CAM), to set up virtual interconnection points (VIP) between adjacent entry-exit systems. The network operator GASCADE Gastransport
has implemented this requirement at the Czech-German border crossing. The virtual interconnection point was launched on time in cooperation with Sopra Steria.
GASCADE’s marketing, processing and billing workflows were already integrated into the GAS-X Grid software solution as part of the X-Change project. Subsequently, Sopra Steria was tasked with mapping and embedding the virtual interconnection point
(VIP) with the Czech Republic into the software and system environment to comply with European specifications.
Key points
- Newly established VIP Brandov-GASPOOL virtual interconnection point
- Participating companies and process partners: GASCADE Gastransport, ONTRAS Gastransport and OPAL Gastransport as well as NET4GAS on the Czech side
- New processing, marketing and coordination processes integrated into the system environment of GAS-X Grid contracting and GAS-X Grid nomination
- Integration of more than 20 additional interfaces
Challenge
A VIP generally maps transport capacities of only two markets at an EU country border – regardless of how many network operators are physically involved. With its GAS-X Grid software module, Sopra Steria maps the marketing and processing of all
capacities for the border crossing between Germany and the Czech Republic in the GASPOOL H-Gas market area for GASCADE.
Highly flexible GAS-X solution platform
A wide range of complex gas issues and workflows had to be implemented into various GAS-X Grid sub-modules within just four months to meet the EU regulation. The regulatory and political relevance of the project was high. A variety of new and content-comprehensive
processes had to be set up while taking legacy contracts into account.
Our solution
The implemented software extension integrates seamlessly into the system environment of the GAS-X Grid contracting and GAS-X Grid nomination software solutions. The enhanced architecture enables a general-purpose solution that works as a template for
many VIPs in Germany. The challenge of taking legacy contracts into account was met using a hybrid model. Legacy contracts from individual network operators flow into the VIP and must be observed by the VIP operator. The many new interfaces of the
GAS-X Grid software ensure smooth, multi-directional communication between all the process partners.
Functioning processing, marketing and coordination at the new Brandov-GASPOOL virtual interconnection point is guaranteed this way. All transport
capacities on the German-Czech border crossing in the GASPOOL H-Gas market territory are now completely marketed with the GAS-X Grid software and processed operationally and billed at the VIP.
How we worked together
The successful and on-schedule completion of the project was possible thanks to the very close and wellcoordinated collaboration between GASCADE Gastransport and Sopra Steria. The short project time was mastered using agile development methodology, very
short delivery cycles and parallel tests, active on-site support as well as regular technical readjustments and consultations. As such, the cooperation in the VIP project presents a successful continuation of the X-Change project.
Results and benefits
GASCADE Gastransport, in cooperation with Sopra Steria, launched the virtual interconnection point at the Czech-German border crossing right on time for the deadline.
- Marketing: Free capacities of all participating network operators are marketed together
- Processing: Nominations are processed by the VIP operator
- Billing: Proceeds from booked capacities are distributed based on an allocation key
- Legacy contracts are taken into account using a hybrid solution model
GASCADE Gastransport and Sopra Steria successfully completed the project, which encompassed the design, integration and productive roll-out phases in a very short period of time. The project team worked out complex technical gas issues and developed functioning
processing, marketing and coordination processes for creating virtual interconnection points (VIP).
About GASCADE Gastransport
GASCADE Gastransport is a joint venture between BASF and Gazprom, operating a long-distance gas pipeline network across Germany. The grid company offers its customers in central Europe state-of-the-art and competitive transport services via the company‘s
own high-pressure pipeline network of about 2,400 kilometres.
Many interfaces, a lot of new processes and a short project duration. Despite these challenges, Sopra Steria developed and introduced a conclusive VIP processing product right on time for the enforcement of the EU regulation.
Andreas Keil, Project Owner, GASCADE Gastransport
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