BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 14. The capacity of the gas interconnector Bulgaria-Serbia (IBS), which will provide access to Azerbaijani gas as well, has been booked by 40 percent as of January 1, 2024, said Bulgartransgaz EAD Executive Director, Vladimir Malinov, Trend reports.
Speaking during inspection of the gas interconnection facilities in Kalotina region, he noted that IBS will ensure Bulgaria’s access to liquefied natural gas terminals in Croatia and the largest liquid market and gas storage in Central Europe - Baumgarten in Austria.
He revealed the plans to build gas distribution stations in the towns of Slivnitsa and Dragoman as part of the project.
“Even now there is booked capacity and as of January 1st, over 40% of the capacity has already been booked,” noted Malinov.
IBS, commissioned on December 10, stands as a pivotal initiative aimed at enhancing energy connectivity within the region. Covering a total distance of 170 km, this interconnector links the gas transmission networks of Bulgartransgaz and Serbia, tracing a route from Novi Iskar in Bulgaria to Nis in Serbia. The implementation of the interconnector within Bulgarian borders is supported by a 27.6 million euros grant from the Connecting Europe Facility and a 5.5 million Bulgarian levs grant under the Operational Program "Innovations and Competitiveness 2014-2020."
IBS operates in tandem with other gas infrastructure development projects in the region, including liquefied gas terminals such as the Alexandroupolis terminal, the expansion of the underground gas storage facility in Chiren, and the construction and expansion of various gas pipelines. This cohesive approach aims to fortify the overall energy landscape, ensuring the seamless integration of diverse projects for the benefit of the entire region.
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