Minister Mykkänen on Balticconnector disruption: gas system is stable but the disruption highlights importance of preparedness by gas-using businesses

A pressure drop was detected in the Balticconnector gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia in the small hours of 8 October 2023, raising suspicions of a leak and causing a disruption. The valves in the offshore pipeline are now closed and the leak has been stopped. Gasgrid Finland is currently investigating the incident together with Estonia´s Elering.

Finland’s gas system remains stable, and for the time being gas supply is being secured primarily through the floating LNG terminal in Inkoo.

“The temporary closing of Balticconnector does not cause any immediate disruptions to the security of energy supply. Potential causes of the damage are being investigated, and next measures will depend on the findings of that investigation,” says Minister of Climate and the Environment Kai Mykkänen as the minister responsible for energy matters in Finland. 

“The Ingå floating LNG terminal has already shown its worth for the energy supply in Finland. The incident is a reminder that companies engaged in buying and selling gas should step up their preparedness for the higher demand expected in the winter months and for ensuring the security of gas supply,” says Mykkänen.

Gasgrid Finland is a responsible Finnish transmission network company that will inform the public on developments with the pipeline as soon as possible on their website at www.gasgrid.fi. 

The Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment is monitoring the situation as the ministry responsible for developing Finland’s energy market and ensuring the security of energy supply. The Ministry has been in touch with Gasgrid Finland, Finland’s National Emergency Supply Agency, key partners and the Estonian Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications.

Balticconnector is about 80 kilometres long offshore pipeline for natural gas between Inkoo in Finland and Paldisk in Estonia. Both countries have a compressor station and onshore gas supply routes, linking the pipeline to the transmission network in each country. The pipeline runs through the exclusive economic zones and territorial seas of Finland and Estonia. It was put into operation in December 2019. 

Inquiries:
Riku Huttunen, Director General, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment, tel. + 358 50 431 6518