BAKU, Azerbaijan, Dec.10
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
Works on all major construction activities for the completion of the interconnector continue; the pipeline will provide new opportunities for import of LNG that can reshape the energy map of the region, Trend quoted Teodora Georgieva, Executive Officer of ICGB AD, as saying.
Line pipe production and delivery for the IGB pipeline will be completed in the next few weeks according to schedule and despite the unexpected setbacks the global pandemic has caused, announced Georgieva.
“The pipeline will allow Bulgaria to receive natural gas supplies from more than one source, which will inevitably lead to increased security of supply and real diversification of gas sources. Development of new routes for import automatically increases competition, which is of great importance for end users, who will be able to use natural gas at competitive prices”, she noted. According to her, the interconnector Greece-Bulgaria is of great international importance due to its potential for connectivity with other major projects, both already existing and planned, which will allow natural gas deliveries for the entire region from multiple new sources.
“The IGB pipeline has significant potential for import of liquified natural gas (LNG) as well and we look forward to new opportunities in that direction. The government’s decision for Bulgaria to participate as a shareholder in the LNG terminal near Alexandroupolis was a major step that will help IGB reach its full capacity. With its completion, we will be able to import LNG and natural gas from various countries like the US, Egypt, Israel and others. The possibilities ahead are remarkable”, Georgieva said.
The Minister of Energy of Bulgaria Temenuzhka Petkova, for her part, said that IGB will connect Bulgaria to the Southern Gas Corridor and will ensure real diversification of natural gas sources and supplies.
“Diversification is a top priority for Bulgaria, as it means competitive prices and a competitive economy, "said Minister Petkova.
IGB project envisages the construction of a gas interconnector that will link the gas transmission systems of Greece and Bulgaria. The total length of the gas pipeline is 182.6 km, and its capacity for gas transmission is 3 billion cubic meters per year with the option to reach 5 billion cubic meters.
The route of the gas pipeline is divided into 7 main lots, the shortest being 9.55 km long and the longest - 71.90 km. 106 km of the route in Bulgaria will be completed with automatic welding, and the remaining 45 km - by manual welding.
IGB will provide the shortest and the most competitive route along the Southern Gas Corridor for bringing natural gas to Bulgaria.
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