In a European context still marked by geopolitical instability and the energy transition, Poland has announced an ambitious plan to double the capacity of the gas pipeline that links it to Ukraine by 2026. This initiative represents a fundamental building block for the energy security of Eastern Europe, strengthening cooperation between two key countries and creating a more resilient supply network.
The project forms part of a broader strategy by the European Union aimed at reducing dependence on Russian gas, promoting energy flows from west to east, also thanks to new cross-border infrastructure.

A strategic gas pipeline for the entire eastern region

The gas pipeline in question connects Hermanowice (Poland) with Bilche-Volytsko (Ukraine), and is currently one of the main entry points for European gas into Ukraine. The new expansion will increase daily capacity from 6 million to 12 million cubic metres, doubling the volume of gas that can be sent each day to the neighbouring country.

The stated objective is to complete the works by the end of 2026, in good time to ensure stable supplies ahead of the cold seasons. The operation will be coordinated by the TSOs (Transmission System Operators) of the two countries: Gaz-System for Poland and GTSOU for Ukraine.

A concrete response to the energy crisis

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022 triggered a genuine energy crisis, forcing Europe to rethink its supply strategies. Poland has played a central role in this reconfiguration from the outset, strengthening interconnections and diversifying its gas sources.

With the new capacity, Poland will be able to act as a logistical and energy hub for Ukraine, routing gas coming from Norway, Qatar, the United States (via LNG), and other European suppliers. This flow will be crucial to cover Ukrainian demand during peak periods and to fill strategic storage sites, which Ukraine continues to offer also to international operators.

Long-term infrastructural developments

The project is part of the ten-year development plan for the Polish gas network, which provides for the construction or upgrading of over 2,000 kilometres of pipelines by 2030. This plan also includes the expansion of the LNG regasification terminals in Świnoujście and Gdańsk, which are essential to increase the capacity to receive gas from non-Russian sources.

In addition to the link with Ukraine, Poland is strengthening interconnections with Slovakia, Lithuania and the Czech Republic, in order to create a dense network capable of adapting to geopolitical changes and ensuring greater flexibility in gas flows.

This strategy is aligned with the EU’s objective of creating an integrated, liquid and competitive gas market, capable of withstanding possible external shocks.

Benefits for Ukraine and strengthened cooperation

For Ukraine, the project represents a guarantee of access to stable gas volumes, but also a step forward in its integration into European energy systems. The possibility of receiving gas from the west – as well as storing it – allows Kyiv to better manage emergencies and seasonal fluctuations.

Furthermore, the strengthening of relations with Poland marks an evolution in bilateral ties, which are moving from being purely political to increasingly operational and strategic. The synergy between Gaz-System and GTSOU reflects high-level technical cooperation, involving the sharing of data, expertise and forecasting capabilities.

Economic impacts and industrial opportunities

The doubling of capacity will also generate significant economic spillovers. On the one hand, it will allow Ukraine to limit spot purchases in unfavourable market conditions, instead planning imports for periods when prices are lower. On the other, Poland will be able to monetise its infrastructure, becoming a central link in regional gas logistics.

For the industrial sector, the project offers opportunities for companies involved in engineering, construction, modular systems, compression, valves and sensor technology. Works of this kind require advanced skills and technologies, opening up room also for international cooperation.

Sustainability and transition: the role of gas

Despite the strong focus on energy security, the project is compatible with the transition towards more sustainable sources. Gas is in fact considered by the EU to be a “bridge” fuel towards decarbonisation, capable of supporting power systems in the process of phasing out coal.

The new infrastructure will be prepared to accommodate hydrogen blends in the future, as anticipated by Gaz-System. This long-term vision ensures that the investment is not merely a response to an urgent need, but part of a broader, sustainable and integrated energy strategy.

A model for Eastern Europe

The doubling of the gas pipeline between Poland and Ukraine is more than just a technical upgrade: it is an example of resilience and strategic cooperation between two frontier countries that choose to invest in the future rather than simply endure events.

This initiative could serve as a model for other European states that are considering new interconnections to address the vulnerabilities highlighted in recent years. The key will be to combine security, innovation and market openness, with modern and scalable infrastructure.