The independent transmission operator ICGB has finalized an interconnection agreement with Greece’s natural gas transmission system operator DESFA at the interconnection point (IP) in Komotini, following successful testing at this location.
ICGB has confirmed that the connection has been successfully tested with natural gas quantities to ensure safe operation ahead of the October 1 launch of the LNG terminal in Alexandroupoli, Greece.
CEOs Teodora Georgieva and George Satlas highlighted that this agreement is crucial for enabling the IGB pipeline to facilitate the transport of natural gas volumes post-commercial launch of the Alexandroupoli LNG terminal.
The IGB pipeline is already linked to the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and the Bulgarian natural gas transmission system operated by Bulgartransgaz. The new interconnection will allow parties with booked capacities from the FSRU at Alexandroupoli to transport gas via the IGB pipeline, creating a new route for natural gas deliveries to southeastern and central Europe.
ICGB plans to operationalize the Komotini DESFA/ICGB IP by October 1, 2024, pending confirmation from upstream system operators. Currently, IGB has a capacity of 3 billion cubic meters per year, with the potential to expand to 5 billion. ICGB is actively pursuing capacity expansion as a strategic measure to secure access to diverse natural gas sources. This project is also a critical component of the Vertical Gas Corridor, connecting operators across the region, including Moldova and Ukraine.
