The operator of the Greece-Bulgaria interconnector (IGB) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with natural gas transmission system operators (TSOs) from central and southeastern Europe. This agreement aims to establish a unified approach for aligning gas quality standards at interconnection points throughout the region.
The MoU includes TSOs from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, North Macedonia, Croatia, Moldova, Ukraine, Slovenia, and Hungary. Together, these operators are committed to collaborative efforts to strengthen energy security and facilitate a sustainable energy transition.
As part of the agreement, the TSOs will conduct an assessment by April 30, 2025, to evaluate the impacts of harmonizing gas quality standards on interconnection agreements within the central and southeastern Europe energy connectivity (CESEC) region. By this deadline, an action plan will also be developed, outlining the necessary steps and timeline for implementing unified gas quality requirements.
ICGB CEOs George Satlas and Teodora Georgieva emphasized that this initiative is crucial for optimizing existing infrastructure, achieving interoperability, and enabling diverse gas flows. The unified approach aims to enhance transparency for network users and is vital for supporting a sustainable and affordable energy transition, aligning with the EU’s vision of a fully integrated internal energy market.
In collaboration with the European Commission, CESEC TSOs are prioritizing the harmonization of gas quality at interconnection points to reduce reliance on Russian natural gas and increase the integration of alternative energy sources, such as the Southern Gas Corridor and LNG imports via Greece. Given the varying gas quality parameters of these new sources, standardization is essential to ensure compatibility across gas infrastructure and facilitate smooth cross-border gas trade and transport.
ICGB is already collaborating with TSOs in the region on several initiatives, including the Vertical Gas Corridor. The Greece-Bulgaria interconnector, which links Bulgaria to the Southern Gas Corridor, currently operates at a capacity of 3 billion cubic meters annually and has the potential to expand to 5 billion cubic meters, enhancing energy connectivity and security across the region.
At present, the interconnector supplies approximately 70% of Bulgaria’s domestic natural gas needs and serves as a reliable route for diversified gas supplies to major markets like Moldova and Ukraine. Historically, central and southeastern Europe have been heavily reliant on Russian natural gas imports, which have influenced quality standards across national networks and interconnection points.
