The first stage of the Chiren underground gas storage expansion has been completed, Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov announced before the parliamentary energy committee. The project is designed to increase total capacity from 550 million cubic meters to 1 billion cubic meters and is divided into three phases: one above-ground and two underground.
The completed surface phase involved the installation of new gas compressors, which are now operational. This upgrade improves pumping efficiency and increases the site’s usable capacity by about 20%. As a result, during the upcoming heating season, market participants such as Bulgargaz will have access to around 650 million cubic meters, which is 100 million cubic meters more than before.
Minister Stankov highlighted that the Chiren expansion is of pan-European importance, enhancing supply security not only for Bulgaria but also for neighboring countries in the region.
