The French energy regulator CRE has approved the 10-year investment plans presented by the two gas transmission system operators GRTgaz (part of the GDF SUEZ group) and TIGF (part of the Total group).
GRTgaz plans to invest €820m in 2013, i.e. 8% less than initially planned in previous plans (ATRT5) but 7% more than the approved investment for 2012 (€764m). The group will mainly invest in three projects: connection to the gas grid of the Dunkerque LNG terminal by 2015 (€379m), Eridan new gas pipeline between Saint-Martin-de-Crau (Bouches-du-Rhône) and Saint-Avit (Drôme) planned by 2016 (€22m) and new interconnection with Belgium at Veurne (€11m).
TIGF plans to invest €152m in 2013, of which nearly €90m in gas network development. €48m will be invested in the strengthening of the Guyenne gas pipeline and €32m in that of the Adour pipeline, in the framework of the development of the gas interconnection with Spain over the 2013-2015 period. TIGF had planned a €163m investment for 2012.