Final Report: A Detailed Outline of the Natural Gas Transmission Grid Code in Georgia and Technical Review of Two Draft Chapters of the Code on Connection and Metering

The code is designed to ensure the safe and efficient transmission of natural gas across the country. The code is based on the practices of European Transmission System Operators (TSOs) and the requirements of the EU Third Energy Package. The code covers all sections included in codes of EU TSOs, providing an overview and indicative contents for each section. The key provisions that must be included in the code are analyzed, and examples of practical applications by other TSOs are presented. The code also includes provisions for capacity booking, nominations, and renominations, as well as balancing activities. The Consultant prepared a preliminary outline of the natural gas transmission grid code, which was accepted by the Georgian National Energy and Water Supply Regulatory Commission (GNERC) without any comments. GNERC also updated the draft chapters of the code on connection and metering based on the Consultant's initial comments. The Consultant provided on-site technical assistance and advisory services to GNERC, presenting technical reviews of the two draft chapters on metering and connection, as well as an outline of the remaining natural gas transmission grid code and implementation best practices. The Consultant also provided capacity building to GNERC staff on specific topics related to the grid code, including capacity booking, nominations, and renominations, as well as balancing activities. The Consultant worked closely with GNERC staff, including the Director of the Natural Gas Department, the Deputy Director, and Chief Specialists, to discuss the draft chapters and provide feedback. The Consultant also presented the proposed structure of the grid code and the main principles of TSO activities related to capacity booking, nominations, and renominations. The Consultant finalized the outline of the natural gas transmission grid code, including the draft chapters on metering and connection, based on the discussions with GNERC. The Consultant also developed final chapters on metering and connection and completed the final report. The project was completed on 17th March 2017, and the Consultant presented the project and next steps to the USAID Mission in Tbilisi. The discussion also involved the topics covered by the grid code and additional regulatory documents that need to be developed to provide for a market operation compliant with the Third Energy Package. The natural gas transmission grid code in Georgia is a critical component of the country's energy infrastructure, and the Consultant's work has provided a detailed outline of the code and technical review of two draft chapters. The code is designed to ensure the safe and efficient transmission of natural gas across the country, and the Consultant's work has provided a foundation for the development of a comprehensive grid code. The Consultant's work has also provided capacity building to GNERC staff on specific topics related to the grid code, including capacity booking, nominations, and renominations, as well as balancing activities. The Consultant's work has also provided an overview of the proposed structure of the grid code and the main principles of TSO activities related to capacity booking, nominations, and renominations.