BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 11. Increasing the capacity of the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) beyond 5 billion cubic meters of gas is possible by constructing a duplicate pipeline, said George Satlas, executive officer and board member of ICGB AD, the pipeline operator, Trend reports.
“During the planning phase, the technical capacity of the pipeline was initially designed to accommodate approximately 5 billion cubic meters per year (bcm/y), and reaching this target is the current objective for the near future. If market demand eventually indicates the necessity for capacities exceeding this threshold, the possibility of constructing a second duplicate pipeline may be considered. However, this discussion would be more relevant in the coming years, contingent upon market developments,” he explained.
Satlas noted that at present, ICGB's primary objectives are centered around ensuring a secure and consistent flow of gas, which will enhance competitiveness in the market for both businesses and households.
“The aim is to maintain stable and accessible prices while meeting the energy needs of consumers,” he added.
With a current total capacity of around 3 bcm/y, the interconnector has 1.57 bcm/y booked under long-term contracts, providing access to natural gas from Azerbaijan. The remaining available capacity is being offered on two major European platforms - the PRISMA booking platform for the interconnection points at Komotini, Greece with the transmission system operator of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and with DESFA and the Regional Booking Platform (RBP) for the interconnection point at Stara Zagora, Bulgaria with the country’s national operator Bulgartransgaz.
ICGB has also just launched an incremental capacity process to assess the market demand for incremental capacity, exploring the opportunities for further expanding the IGB pipeline to approximately 5 bcm/y.
IGB is the first route for diversified supplies of natural gas to Bulgaria, guaranteeing increased security of supply and diversity of sources. The gas pipeline enables the transportation of natural gas from new sources to other countries in the region as well, including Moldova and Ukraine.
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