Gas interconnector Greece-Bulgaria to start commercial operation on October 1

Greece and Bulgaria have issued operating permits for a pipeline linking their gas networks, which enables the start of the IGB interconnector’s commercial operation, scheduled for October 1.

Joint venture ICGB announced that it fulfilled the final administrative requirement for the start of operation of the gas interconnector Greece-Bulgaria, also known as IGB. The launch is set for October 1. The pipeline will run from Komotini in Greece to Stara Zagora in Bulgaria.

The firm established by Bulgarian Energy Holding (BEH) and Greek company IGI Poseidon (Yafa Poseidon) with equal ownership shares said operational permits were issued in both countries. ICGB said the gas pipeline would ensure diversification of gas sources and increase competition in the market.

Yafa Poseidon is controlled by DEPA International Projects and Edison, at 50% each.

The project worth EUR 240 million connects Bulgaria to the Southern Gas Corridor and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). It will enable supply from a variety of sources to countries in Southeast and Central Europe, including Moldova and Ukraine, the firm added.

The IGB pipeline is 182 kilometers long, of which 31 kilometers are in Greek territory. The technical capacity is three billion cubic meters per year. There is an option to increase it to five billion cubic meters with the construction of a compressor station on Greek territory, which would allow for reverse flow as well.

Construction works are underway at the future terminal for liquefied natural gas (LNG) in Alexandroupolis near Komotini.