The natural gas transmission operators in Hungary and Romania, FGSZ and Transgaz respectively, have reached an agreement to augment the technical capacity of the Csanadpalota interconnection point. This enhancement is set to take effect on April 1, 2026, and represents a significant advancement in the collaboration between the two nations in terms of cross-border gas supply.
Upon completion of the upgrade, the pipeline’s maximum hourly transport capacity will see a modest increase from 310,000 cubic meters per hour to 320,000 cubic meters per hour. This adjustment translates to an energy transport capability of approximately 3.5 million kWh per hour from Romania to Hungary and about 3.47 million kWh per hour in the reverse direction, thereby facilitating improved energy exchange between the two countries.
This initiative is aligned with the Vertical Corridor project, which aims to enhance the flow of alternative natural gas supplies from southern sources into Central and Eastern European markets. The enhancement of this interconnection is viewed as a crucial step toward achieving greater energy security and diversification in the region.
Market participants will soon have access to the newly created capacity. Initial offerings will be made available through a monthly auction scheduled for March 16, 2026. Subsequent capacity allocations will adhere to the established European gas transmission auction calendar, ensuring a structured approach to capacity management.
FGSZ has characterized this upgrade as a modest yet significant improvement in regional gas infrastructure. This development is expected to contribute positively towards making the energy system more flexible, diversified, and resilient against various market challenges.
Looking ahead, further upgrades are anticipated on the Romanian side of the border, which could lead to additional enhancements in transfer capacity at this critical interconnection point between Hungary and Romania.
