The Chiren underground gas storage expansion project is being implemented within the planned timeframe, and the next step is to commission part of the new infrastructure by the end of 2024, which will allow the phased increase in storage capacity to start from the next injection season, said caretaker Energy Minister Vladimir Malinov during a hearing in Parliament.
The plan is to increase the storage capacity from 550 million cubic meters to 1 billion, as well as the production and injection capacity to 8–10 million cubic meters on a daily basis. The project is in synergy with existing and planned new and expanding LNG terminals in Southeast Europe.
The Minister explained that the increased capacity of the Chiren gas storage facility will not only provide additional reserves in case of gas supply problems but will also help to successfully enter the market for gas from alternative sources. He added that this is particularly true for LNG supplies in the region.
