The Michalovce gas pipeline route represents a crucial chapter in the history of Slovak energy infrastructure, with profound implications for the country's industrial development and energy security. This article examines the key stages of its development, from the initial projects in the mid-20th century to the modern interconnectors designed to diversify gas supplies.
Early Stages of Gas Pipeline Construction
The development of gas pipelines in Slovakia began in the mid-20th century. In 1951, the first natural gas was transported from Plavecký Štvrtok to Bratislava via a 38-kilometer pipeline. By 1957, pipelines had been built on the Bratislava-Brodské route, continuing to Bohemia, as well as the Považský high-pressure pipeline. This period marked the beginning of systematic gasification in Slovakia.
In September 1959, construction began on the first stage of the Czechoslovak oil pipeline from the Soviet Union border to Bratislava. This project aimed to increase oil supplies and reduce transportation costs by more than 80% compared to rail transport. The first oil was scheduled to flow through the pipeline by December 31, 1961.
Construction of the "Friendship" Oil Pipeline (Družba)
The construction of the "Friendship" (Družba) oil pipeline was a significant undertaking in the late 1950s and early 1960s. The project involved workers from Plynostav Pardubice and was scheduled to be completed in 1963. High-performance Soviet machinery was used to lay approximately one kilometer of pipeline per day.
In October 1961, the Czechoslovak and Soviet workers ceremoniously connected the Družba oil pipeline on the Czechoslovak-Soviet border. The construction involved several pumping stations along the Czechoslovak section, with efforts to prepare the facilities for operation by October 17, in time for the XXII Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (KSSZ). By January 1962, the first pumping station on the Družba oil pipeline in eastern Slovakia was operational, sending Soviet oil to Slovnaft in Vlčie hrdlo.
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In February 1962, the world's longest and fastest-built oil pipeline was officially put into operation in Bratislava. This pipeline transported oil from the Volga region to Slovnaft, providing a cheaper alternative to rail transport and supporting the development of the Czechoslovak chemical industry.
Construction of the International Gas Pipeline "Brotherhood" (Bratstvo)
In January 1965, workers from Plynostav Pardubice began welding the first parts of the 700 mm diameter gas pipeline near the village of Nižná Myšľa near Košice. The pipeline was intended to supply hundreds of millions of cubic meters of natural gas from the USSR annually.
The construction of the ČSSR-USSR international gas pipeline in eastern Slovakia was a crucial project for the Czechoslovak gas industry, ensuring gas supplies to the country. High levels of mechanization were used to complete the pipeline by the scheduled date of January 1, 1967.
In September 1965, workers from Plynostav laid a 100-meter section of pipeline into the new bed of the Hornád River near Nižná Myšľa. This section was laid at a depth of 6.5 meters using special Soviet pipe-laying equipment and was protected by triple insulation, cardboard, boards, and concrete blocks.
In June 1967, the Bratstvo international gas pipeline between the USSR and ČSSR was officially opened near the village of Ruská on the Czechoslovak-Soviet border. The pipeline ran from gas deposits in the Lviv region of western Ukraine to Duslo in Šaľa, measuring 540 kilometers, with 356 kilometers on Czechoslovak territory.
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Modern Developments and Interconnectors
In recent years, there has been a focus on diversifying gas supply routes to Slovakia. In February, the Russian gas group Gazprom began supplying gas to Slovakia via the TurkStream pipeline, with volumes doubling from April. This new route bypasses Ukraine, which ceased gas transit at the beginning of the year due to the expiration of its agreement with Russia.
The Poland-Slovakia gas interconnector project has been underway, consisting of a linear part, a compressor station, and a border transfer station. The linear part is divided into two sections: the northern section from the Polish-Slovak border to Chlmec, and the southern section from Chlmec to the compressor station in Veľké Kapušany.
Construction on the Slovak section of the pipeline began in August, with land preparation works progressing significantly. Archaeological research has been conducted in areas such as Veľké Kapušany and Čičarovce.
The route of the interconnector on Slovak territory passes through two regions, Prešov and Košice, and three districts, Medzilaborce, Humenné, and Michalovce. The pipeline will start at the state border near Palota and end at the compressor station in Veľké Kapušany.
The construction of the Slovak-Polish gas pipeline officially started in Veľké Kapušany. This pipeline aims to reduce dependence on Russian gas by diversifying gas supplies to European countries. It will provide Slovakia with access to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Świnoujście, Poland, and to Norwegian gas via the planned Baltic Pipe.
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Significance and Impact
The Michalovce gas pipeline route has played a crucial role in the development of Slovakia's energy infrastructure. The construction of the Družba oil pipeline and the Bratstvo gas pipeline in the mid-20th century facilitated industrial development and provided a cheaper alternative to traditional transportation methods.
The modern interconnectors, such as the Poland-Slovakia gas interconnector, are designed to enhance energy security by diversifying gas supply routes and reducing dependence on a single source. These projects contribute to the development of a more resilient and competitive energy market in Slovakia and the wider region.
The establishment of the Interstate Gas Pipeline was a significant milestone in the development of gas supply in Slovakia.
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