Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov and Minister of Energy Temenuzhka Petkova attended the launch of the first section of TurkStream gas pipeline extension from Turkish border to the Strandzha gas compressor station.
PM Borissov said that the project would allow Bulgaria to become a main gas distribution hub for the region, which is why Bulgaria proposed to other partners in the project to name this gas pipeline Balkan Stream.
Energy Minister Petkova stressed that the project as exceptionally important for both Bulgaria and the whole region, adding that it is the result of Government‟s commitment to keep Bulgaria’s strategic place on Europe’s gas map. The project is also of key importance for the implementation of the Balkan gas hub concept as it will allow for the diversification of natural gas sources and supply routes, and will improve the region’s energy security.
Last month, state-owned natural gas transmission system operator Bulgartransgaz and Arkad Consortium have signed a contract for the delivery of materials, investment project design, development and commissioning of the gas pipeline connecting Turkish and Serbian borders, namely the Bulgarian section of TurkStream extension.
