Poland-based Gaz-System is preparing conceptual work for the addition of a liquefaction facility to the LNG import terminal currently being built at Swinoujscie on the Baltic coast. The possibility of building the infrastructure to export LNG from Poland has been prompted by increased interest in exploring, and eventually producing, unconventional volumes from the country's prospective reserves. Gaz-System said it was planning to undertake "conceptual work connected with the analysis of additional functionalities of the LNG terminal.
"This work would include the possibility of adding liquefaction equipment, it added. State-controlled Gaz-System, through its wholly-owned subsidiary Polskie LNG, is currently building a 5 billion cum (Gm3)/yr import terminal in the northwest of the country. The Swinoujscie terminal is scheduled to be operational in mid-2014. Both Polskie LNG and Gaz-System have previously said the terminal could be upgraded to import up to 7.5Gm3/yr.

Over the coming year, Poland is also undertaking a swift and far-reaching gas market liberalisation programme, that will see an end to industrial and commercial tariffs. This is expected to notably reduce the market dominance of state-owned incumbent PGNiG. Poland's first commercial volumes of unconventional production are expected in 2014.