Gas Interconnector Greece–Bulgaria
Gas Interconnector Greece–Bulgaria (IGB) is a natural gas pipeline currently under construction that is scheduled to link the Greek and Bulgarian natural gas pipeline networks.[1][2] It is expected to be put into operation in September 2022.[3]
| Interconnector Greece–Bulgaria | |
|---|---|
| Location | |
| Country | Greece Bulgaria |
| General direction | South–North |
| From | Komotini, Greece |
| Passes through | Kardjali, Haskovo, Dimitrovgrad, Bulgaria |
| To | Stara Zagora, Bulgaria |
| General information | |
| Type | Natural gas |
| Partners | Bulgarian Energy Holding IGI Poseidon (DEPA & Edison S.p.A.) |
| Operator | ICGB AD |
| Expected | September 2022 |
| Technical information | |
| Length | 182 km (113 mi) |
| Maximum discharge | 3 billion cubic metres per annum (110×109 cu ft/a) |
| Diameter | 32 in (813 mm) |
Route and purpose
The capacity of the pipeline is to be 3 to 5 billion m3/year with reverse flow capability. The connecting points are to be Komotini, Greece and Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. The length of the pipeline will be about 180 km (150 km in Bulgaria, 30 km in Greece). The proposed pipe diameter is 32" (813mm). Such a pipeline would probably cost between 200 and 250 million Euro to construct.
The project is in line with the joint EU strategy for market-based security of supply, which calls for bidirectional interconnection of national grids and specifically for creation of a Southern Gas Corridor. Whereas the capacity of the IGB project does not fully satisfy the capacity expected in the Southern Gas Corridor, it will achieve real diversification of sources of supply of natural gas to Bulgaria.
Project development
On July 14, 2009 a Memorandum of understanding was signed between Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD, Edison (Italy) and DEPA, which defines the principles for development and realization of the project. In January 2011, a joint company "ICGB" AD was registered by the same partners that will construct, own and operate the pipeline. The project took off in 2017. Construction works commenced in early 2020 and are planned to be completed by June 2022.[4] The interconnector is expected to be operational from September 2022.[3]
References
- Gas Interconnection Greece - Bulgaria (IGB) Archived 2014-02-02 at the Wayback Machine, Ministry of Economy, Energy and Tourism of the Republic of Bulgaria, retrieved 12-11-2012
- "Greece-Bulgaria gas pipeline to be ready by end of June | eKathimerini.com". www.ekathimerini.com. Kathimerini. Retrieved 30 March 2022.
- "Bulgaria-Greece gas interconnector completes tie-in to TAP". seenews.com. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
- "New gas pipeline boosts Europe's bid to ease Russian supply". The Independent. 2022-04-29. Retrieved 2022-05-03.
External links
- icgb.eu Official web site