EU regulation to set up
virtual interconnection points (VIP)
implemented on time
Minuten Lesezeit
Since 1 November 2018, 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 were 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.
The facts
- 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
The 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
territory 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.
The 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
involved. 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.
Cooperation
The successful and on-schedule completion of the project was
possible thanks to the very close and well-coordinated 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.
The Result
GASCADE Gastransport, in conjunction with Sopra Steria,
launched the virtual interconnection point at the Czech-German
border crossing on 1 November 2018 – right on time.
- 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-ofthe-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
in time for the enforcement of the EU
regulation.
ANDREAS KEIL
Project Owner, GASCADE Gastransport