In a significant development for regional energy cooperation, Hungary’s natural gas transmission operator FGSZ and Romania’s counterpart Transgaz have reached an agreement to expand the capacity of the Csanadpalota interconnection point. This upgrade is scheduled to take effect on 1 April 2026, further solidifying cross-border gas trade between the two nations.
The enhancement will see the maximum hourly transport capacity of the interconnection increase from 310,000 cubic meters per hour to 320,000 cubic meters per hour. This translates to an energy transport capability of approximately 3.5 million kWh per hour from Romania to Hungary, while the reverse flow will allow around 3.47 million kWh per hour.
This capacity expansion is viewed as a vital component of the Vertical Corridor initiative, aimed at facilitating the movement of alternative natural gas supplies from southern sources into markets located in Central and Eastern Europe. Such initiatives are critical for diversifying energy sources and enhancing regional energy security.
The newly available capacity will be accessible to market participants, with an initial offering set to occur through a monthly auction on 16 March 2026. Subsequent allocations will adhere to the established European gas transmission auction timetable, allowing for systematic capacity management.
FGSZ has characterized this upgrade as a modest yet significant improvement in regional gas infrastructure, underscoring its role in fostering a more flexible, diversified, and resilient energy system. The operators anticipate that additional upgrades will follow, particularly on the Romanian side of the border, potentially leading to further enhancements in transfer capacity at this crucial interconnection point.
