Market integration in Germany leads to new Virtual Interconnection Points (VIPs)
At present, there are two market areas in Germany: Gaspool (GPL) and Netconnect Germany (NCG). The TTF market area is connected to both German market areas by way of VIPs. There are currently four VIPs operational: an H-gas VIP and an L-gas VIP between GTS and Gaspool and an H-gas VIP and an L-gas VIP between GTS and NCG.
The German government has decided that the two market areas are to merge into one single new German market area, which will be called Trading Hub Europe (THE). This new market area is expected to become operational on 1 October 2021. This means that, as of that date, the current Gaspool and NCG market areas will be part of the THE market area and the TTF market area will be connected to THE.
One logical consequence of the merger is that the existing VIPs will be merged into the VIPs that will be created between TTF and THE.