On Thursday, September 21, the fifth session of the eighth convened Croatian Gas Association Steering Committee (CGA) was held and presided over by the president of the CGA, Assist Prof Dalibor Pudić. The session took place in the main headquarters of the company Plinacro in Zagreb.
On behalf of the host, attendees were welcomed by the Plinacro Board member, Daria Krstičević. She gave an overview of the importance and contribution of the CGA in the energy industry, especially in the gas sector. Emphasis was placed on the new security and energy infrastructure in Europe, the geographical position and long-term strategic thoughts on energy stability, positioning Croatia to actively contribute to ensuring energy security for Central European countries and transforming Croatia into an energy hub. She said, “The role of Plinacro in achieving these important goals is especially important and clear, and it is a great honor for us, but also a great obligation; hence, we continue to be committed to achieving it.”
The working part of the session began with an overview by the CGA president, Assist Prof Dalibor Pudić, of actual issues concerning the gas market. “Due to climate issues, we must think over the long term. Gas prices continue to be volatile, but less so than in the previous period. In these changing circumstances, good management is especially important, which is not an easy task, considering that particular entities have contracts for purchasing gas at prices that are above current market prices. The decision by the Croatian Government to expand capacities at the LNG Terminal on the island of Krk is especially important, providing long-term security of gas supplies. It should also be emphasized that the construction of the LNG Terminal succeeded because we had a properly developed gas infrastructure, which we had worked on with commitment over the decades. An LNG terminal on the island of Krk was first discussed some thirty years ago at the International Scientific and Expert Meeting of Gas Professionals in Opatija, which the CGA traditionally organizes. Furthermore, hydrogen was also addressed fifteen years ago at the Scientific and Expert Meeting of Gas Professionals in Opatija. This shows that the CGA and Croatian gas industry were thinking in a strategic sense and moving in stride with the times, addressing issues of importance for the economic development and long-term security of gas supplies, as well as topics relating to new technologies. When considering the current situation relating to the development of new technologies, existing limitations and enormous necessary resources, the conclusion is that gas will continue to have an important role long into the future, and indeed in the period after 2050,” said Pudić.
Having addressed current issues on the gas market, the CGA Steering Committee went over the following agenda points: supplementing the CGA Committee for Gas in Transport, awarding recognition to the CGA for 2023, information on preparations for the 39th International Scientific and Expert Meeting of Gas Professionals (which is to be held from 8 to 10 of May 2024 in Opatija), 2022 CGA Financial Report, and 2022 Auditor’s Opinion, including the 2024 CGA Working Plan and 2024 CGA Financial Plan, 2022 Financial Report for Croatian Gas Center Ltd. and the 2022 Auditor’s Opinion, as well as the 2024 Budget for Croatian Gas Center Ltd.