BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 23
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
The Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) is a key to meeting the decarbonisation targets and the ability to use natural gas as a transition fuel until the full conversion to hydrogen, Trend reports with reference to the ICGB AD, a project company.
“The thermal power plants using coals located in the Maritza Basin region will have access to natural gas, which would ensure a smooth transition to fulfilling the commitments under the European Green Deal.
ICGB has already established cooperation with the licensed for the region gas distribution companies and interested industrial customers from Kardzhali and Dimitrovgrad. In this regard, the project company has already designed and implemented the necessary technical facilities on the territory of the two cities, providing the necessary conditions for access to the gas transmission network,” said the company.
The ICGB AD noted that the implementation of the IGB gas pipeline is a guarantee for providing reliable and efficient access to natural gas for businesses and households. “This important role reinforces the strategic benefits of project implementation as an opportunity to support and develop Bulgarian regions and businesses.”
The deadline for construction of IGB is the end of 2021.
The IGB project enables the transmission of gas and supplies from new sources, making it key to Bulgaria's energy security and part of the national plan for diversification of gas sources. The capacity of the project is 3 billion cubic meters with the option to reach 5 billion cubic meters. Half of the capacity of the interconnector is already reserved, as four of the shippers are completely new to the Bulgarian market. A contract has been signed for the supply of 1 billion cubic meters from Shah Deniz 2 based on a long-term contract with Bulgargaz.
The conclusion of the contract for construction of the interconnector dates back from the end of 2019, as one of the main commitments of the project company in structuring IGB is the obligation to control costs within the approved budget, which will ensure competitive transmission for customers. The delay in construction activities and the approved update of the construction schedule for the end of 2021 are due to objective reasons related to the global coronavirus pandemic and do not lead to direct losses. The established alternative route through the Greek system and Siderokastro provides a temporary solution for servicing the contract with Azerbaijan until IGB is put into commercial operation.
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