Poland gets grants for gas storage

BRUSSELS, June 23 (UPI) -- A $479 million grant to Poland for the construction of four gas storage sites will move the country closer to European averages, the European Commission said.

The European Commission announced Wednesday it provided Poland with the grant to build four underground natural gas storage sites in the country.

"This project will allow Poland to increase security of gas supply to the benefit of its citizens, without unduly distorting competition as the gas storage capacity will be made available to all competitors on the Polish market," said European Competition Commissioner Joaquin Almunia.

The European Commission said gas storage capacity ensures energy security for the countries in the European Union. The four sites slated for 2015 completion will increase Poland's gas storage capacity of 35 billion cubic feet to almost 92 billion cubic feet.

"This will bring the country closer to the current EU reserve capacity average of 14 percent of annual demand," the commission said.