JSC Ukrgasvydobuvannya is currently performing trial operation of a new software solution for collecting data from metering units for measuring the quantity and quality of natural gas. The introduction of the new metering system is the next step towards the integration of the gas market with the European Union. The new system is expected to be fully implemented by spring 2022.

The new software solution is a unified system for collecting, storing, analyzing and integrating data on the natural gas supplied by the company to the gas transmission and gas distribution systems. In the future, the system will include information on the output of liquid hydrocarbons and electricity production and consumption. The new data collection system offers the advantage of obtaining information from both natural gas quantity meters and quality measuring instruments (chromatographs and moisture meters), which are used to determine its main components and moisture content, i.e. one of the key quality characteristics of natural gas. In addition, this system will increase the rate of obtaining information on performance parameters of facilities and emergency situations at metering stations. Furthermore, this system has the function of calculating the volume of natural gas in energy units (kWh), which have long been the standard in Europe.

System deployment is divided into several stages. The ongoing trial operation is the second and critical stage in setting up the system. The transition to commercial operation at the first facilities is scheduled for the second half of 2021.

“As the country's largest gas producer, we invest in the treatment and conditioning of hydrocarbons to ensure their highest quality. We install new dehydration systems, reequip compressor stations, and build new gas treatment units. We want to make sure that our facilities supply high-quality gas that meets the needs of end consumers to the gas transmission and gas distribution systems. The new data collection system is the next step towards improving the efficiency of our production as part of Naftogaz's digital transformation,” said Sergiy Fedorenko, Chief Commercial Officer of JSC Ukrgasvydobuvannya.

The software solution is an in-house development of the Gas Transport Institute, a member of Naftogaz Group. Earlier this year, the Ukrainian Gas Storage Operator began implementing a similar complex and is going to use the new data collection system as early as 2021. It is planned that 11 Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities will commence commercial operations with this software solution by the end of 2020.

The initiative to implement gas metering in energy units is contained in Bill No. 2553, which is being prepared for the second reading. The bill was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine (Ukrainian Parliament) in the first reading on June 16, 2020.