Gas grid operator DESFA is preparing to take a next step towards a binding stage for a market test concerning an upgrade and expansion of the Greek gas transmission system by putting the procedure’s guidelines to public consultation, energypress sources have informed.

Based on the foreseen procedure, the guidelines, along with all project proposals, will be submitted to RAAEY, the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water, for approval ahead of the beginning of the market test’s binding stage, planned for May.

The market test’s overall procedure began last year with a non-binding stage that attracted grid-capacity requests covering 2024 to 2050 from a total of 27 companies.

Seventeen of the 27 requests were submitted by companies from abroad, mainly central and southeast Europe, as well as the USA. This turnout highlights Greece’s upgraded role on the regional energy map. The other ten requests were submitted by Greek companies.

Authorities are less confident of a solid turnout by investors in the binding phase as demand for natural gas has been on the decline.