Vladimir Malinov, CEO of Bulgarian natural gas transmission operator Bulgartransgaz, announced that the Bulgarian segment of the Vertical Gas Corridor will be completed by October 1, 2026.
Speaking at an energy conference in Thessaloniki, Malinov said the project has progressed from concept to construction through the coordinated efforts of nine operators from seven countries: Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, Ukraine, and Moldova. Once Bulgaria’s infrastructure is finished, the additional capacity will be offered in the next annual auction.
The initiative was a key topic at the forum, with participants emphasizing its importance for regional energy security and competitiveness. Malinov noted that the corridor supports US policy to increase American LNG use in southeastern Europe and could combine LNG with US investments, technology, and financing for power generation in the region.
In Bulgaria, significant progress has already been made. On the 48-kilometer section between Kulata and Kresna, 80% of the pipes have been welded and installed. In August, work began on the Rupcha-Vetrino looping to expand cross-border capacity with Romania.
Malinov concluded that sustaining momentum is critical to meeting regional market needs and ensuring the Vertical Gas Corridor becomes a key part of Europe’s strategy to reduce dependence on Russian natural gas.
