The MND Group has been operating in Ukraine for over ten years and, despite the war, it has managed not only to maintain operations but also to gradually develop gas production. However, everyday work takes place in conditions that most of us in Czechia or Germany can hardly imagine. We talked to Volodya Stebletsky, Technical Director of MND Ukraine, about how MND Ukraine works today, what is most difficult and what gives them the strength to continue.

Underground gas storage facilities (UGS) are a strategic pillar of the modern energy system. In times of growing energy consumption, fluctuating price levels and geopolitical uncertainties, UGS facilities are becoming an indispensable tool for ensuring the reliability, flexibility and competitiveness of the gas sector.

After several months in Kyiv, the Archa I mobile station has moved to Odessa. Its task now is to continue its mission of protecting and preserving written cultural heritage. Odessa has long been exposed to the threat of shelling, so the work of this unit has a real positive impact on the protection of Ukraine's historical monuments.

Gas supplies in European countries are very comfortable in the first half of winter. Gas imports from Norway and liquefied gas from overseas are running smoothly. Storage facilities were sufficiently filled before winter, and weather forecasts currently indicate a warmer winter.

Preparations for the 2025 sustainability report are in full swing. Dozens of colleagues across the MND Group are already collecting data, verifying information and participating in audit meetings so that we can publish a report at the end of April next year, which will serve as an important reference for banks, investors and partners in tender procedures.

On Thursday, 13 November, a planned team-building day was held for employees of MND Energy Storage and MND Gas Storage, offering a combination of good food, sporting activities and a relaxing evening programme. The event was divided into three parts – a joint lunch, a badminton tournament and a guided wine tasting.

AI, artificial intelligence. Two words that have been resonating not only in the world of technology for some time now, but are also increasingly penetrating our everyday working lives. AI is talked about, written about, discussed – but how do we actually use it at MND? And what does it mean for each of us?

After years of preparation, the geothermal project has finally begun. The idea of heating Košice with geothermal energy had been in the works for many years. The first surveys in the Svinica–Ďurkov area were conducted in the 1990s and confirmed the extraordinary potential of hot water several kilometres below the ground. However, at that time, there was a lack of funding and political consensus to implement the project.

Four times more crude oil than before is sent by MND from the Lusatian railway station to Kralupy nad Vltavou these weeks. The reason for this is the termination of transport via the Druzhba pipeline. All the crude oil produced must be transported by tanker - first by truck, then by rail.

Václav Kratochvil works as an operator on the gas storage facility in Uhřice. In addition, he farms a two-hectare vineyard, where he takes care of about ten thousand heads of vines. When he goes to work, he walks - the journey takes him fifteen minutes. Just walk up the hill, walk through his vineyard and there he is. On the way back, he sees what needs to be done. "I really enjoy working on the hopper. But working in the vineyard, that's what fulfills me. I could be here all day and be happy. It clears your head," he says.

With this edition comes big news - MND Report has a brand new digital version. The original reader is coming to an end and is being replaced by a modern website resembling a news portal that offers a number of benefits.