Bulgarian natural gas transmission system operator, Bulgartransgaz, has launched a tender for the phased expansion of the Chiren underground gas storage facility. This project is strategically important for enhancing energy security and increasing competition and liquidity in Bulgaria’s natural gas market, as well as in southeastern Europe.
The open tender includes tasks related to investment design, procurement of necessary materials and equipment, drilling of three exploitation wells (Well E-76, Well E-77, and Well E-79) at the Chiren facility, and the construction of their associated infrastructure leading to a new Chiren compressor station. Additionally, the commissioning of these wells is part of the project.
The public procurement also includes an option for drilling three additional exploitation wells, should this be pursued. The selection of these wells will come from a list that includes E-74, E-75, E-78, E-80, E-81, E-82, and E-83 at the storage facility. The decision to proceed with this option will be based on the productivity of the first two wells completed and the integration of data from these wells into the 3D model of the storage facility, allowing for its further upgrade. This approach will optimize project timelines and costs.
The construction of these facilities will increase the Chiren storage facility’s operational safety and capacity, creating the technical foundation for its gradual expansion. The estimated value of the procurement, including the optional works, is 56 million euros, excluding VAT.
