Investments in 2021

In 2021, the total capital expenditure incurred in the Distribution segment was approximately PLN 3.24bn. PSG spent around PLN 2.18bn on expanding the network and connecting new customers. Another PLN 0.84bn was spent on reconstruction and modernisation of the gas network, of which slightly over PLN 0.30bn on replacement and certification of gas meters and components of metering systems.

In 2021, PSG pursued projects supporting implementation of the PSG Strategy for 2016−2022 in the area of distribution and infrastructure, aimed at putting in place technological and organisational solutions in customer service, meter reading, network assets management, billing of distribution services and security.

As a gas distributor, PSG additionally engages in a range of activities to combat smog and air pollution. In 2021, a number of environmental initiatives continued to be implemented in cooperation with local authorities. These included:

• the ‘Inactive service lines’ project aimed at mobilising customers who have non-operational gas connections, especially in areas with a high level of low-stack emissions (smog). The project was implemented in 2019–2021 and was closed in November 2021;
• ‘Connect, because every breath matters’ – an educational and promotional project intended to raise awareness of the risks to human health presented by air pollution and to promote gas fuel as an environmentally-friendly alternative to solid fuels.

In 2021, PSG continued its efforts to secure financing under the EU 2014–2020 financial framework. As part of Measure 7.1. – Development of intelligent storage, transmission and distribution systems, Priority axis VII – Improvement of energy security, PSG entered into agreements with the Oil and Gas Institute – National Research Institute, providing for co-financing of investment projects. The expected total cost of ten projects exceeds PLN 675.2m, VAT inclusive (with the amount of subsidies in excess of PLN 257.4m). The total length of the distribution pipelines to be built or upgraded under the projects is approximately 489 km.

In 2021 PSG continued to perform under a grant agreement with the National Centre for Research and Development for the implementation of an R&D project carried out in consortium with Kielce University of Technology. The project is expected to deliver a new precise technology for assessing the technical condition of gas pipelines using acoustic methods and GPR surveys. PSG is constantly looking at possibilities of obtaining funding for new development initiatives. The company participates in preparations to obtain funding and secure the interests of the gas industry in the new EU perspective for 2021-2027. In this respect, PSG collaborates with PGNiG, the Chamber of the Natural Gas Industry and the competent ministries.

W 2021 r. kontynuowane były działania związane z rozwojem obszaru B+R+I, prowadzące do wzrostu innowacyjności PSG.

PSG bierze aktywny udział w programach oraz przedsięwzięciach innowacyjnych. Do najważniejszych z nich w dziedzinie badań i rozwoju realizowanych w 2021 r. zaliczyć należy m.in.:

• działania na rzecz opracowania wymogów dla zatłaczania do sieci PSG palnych gazów domieszkowych, w tym wodoru;
• realizację opisanego powyżej projektu z dofinansowaniem UE pn. „Innowacyjny system automatycznej identyfikacji i lokalizacji defektów infrastruktury gazowej wykorzystujący zjawisko emisji akustycznej (SIildig AE);
• pilotażowe wdrożenie i badanie alternatywnego systemu telemetrycznych odczytów danych z układów pomiarowych;
• przeprowadzenie pilotażowego wdrożenia innowacyjnego systemu do detekcji nieszczelności sieci gazowej.

Kontynuowano działania w celu pozyskania innowacyjnych rozwiązań wspierających działalność podstawową PSG oraz wzrost zaangażowania pracowników w oparciu o wdrożone uprzednio rozwiązania proceduralne takie jak np. „System Innowacyjności PSG” czy w formule doktoratów wdrożeniowych takich jak uruchomiony w mijającym roku o tematyce dotyczącej jakości biometanu.

In 2021, efforts were continued to develop the R&D&I functions at PSG and improve the innovation potential of the company.

PSG actively participates in innovation programmes and projects. Some of the most important R&D projects implemented in 2021 included:

• efforts to develop the requirements for injecting combustible dopant gases, including hydrogen, into the PSG network;
• implementation of the EU co-funded project described above, entitled ‘Innovative System for Automatic Identification and Location of Gas Infrastructure Defects using the Phenomenon of Acoustic Emission (SIildig AE)’;
• pilot implementation and testing of an alternative electronic data reading system from metering systems;
• pilot implementation of an innovative system to detect gas network leakage.

Efforts were continued to secure innovative solutions supporting PSG’s core business and increase employee engagement based on previously implemented procedural solutions such as the PSG Innovation System or implementation doctorates, including the one on biomethane quality launched in the previous year.

PSG monitors new technologies relevant to the energy sector and the government’s incentives to support the development of low-carbon energy, based on green generation sources and high-efficiency infrastructure. The company participates in the work of national and international working teams, focused on thematic streams relating to gas infrastructure, sustainable development and use of natural gas. It plans to focus its R&D&I efforts on projects to expand the functionality of the gas network and prepare for the distribution of decarbonised gases, to improve the efficiency of gas fuel distribution, and to ensure the operational safety of gas infrastructure and the continuity of gas fuel supply. PSG is a party to cooperation agreements for the development of the biogas and biomethane sectors and for the development of the hydrogen economy; in these agreements, R&D&I is classified among objectives and activities of strategic importance until 2030.

For more on PGNIG Group’s R&D activities, see Research and Development.