ICGB, a project company for gas interconnection between Bulgaria and Greece (so-called IGB pipeline), said that the pipeline has been connected to the Bulgarian natural gas transmission network operated by Bulgartransgaz.
The statement from the company said that the works carried between 16 and 17 August now technically ensure the physical flow of gas through the pipeline as it links up the operators’ grids in both host countries. After completion of the mandatory non-destructive testing of the connection to the Bulgartransgaz network, the section will be backfilled, completing all mechanical work.
According to ICGB, the gas pipeline and all adjacent above-ground facilities are completed, technically sound and fully tested with actual quantities of natural gas.
The interconnector has an annual capacity of 3 billion cubic meters. As much as 1.57 billion cubic meters of its capacity have already been secured on long-term contracts of up to 25 years. Apart from state supplier Bulgargaz, Greek counterpart DEPA and Italian energy company Edison have reserved long-term capacity, in addition to Azerbaijani SOCAR, which will supply 1 billion cubic meters of gas per year.
Since March, IGB has also been connected to the Trans-Adriatic (TAP) pipeline, allowing for supplies from Azerbaijan that arrive in Greek ports to flow to Italy and southeastern Europe.
IGB’s commissioning will also enable the flow of more liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Bulgaria and southeastern Europe via Greece, paving the way for potential future LNG imports from the US, Algeria, Qatar, Egypt and other suppliers.
