BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. The delay in commissioning of the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) Alexandroupolis is affecting directly the start of operations at the interconnection point (IP) Komotini-DESFA launch, ICGB company, operator of the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) told Trend.
The commercial operation of the IP Komotini DESFA-ICGB, previously scheduled to start on July 1, 2024, has been postponed.
"The physical interconnection between the two systems at the IP is already completed even though commercial operations have not yet begun. The successful start of commercial operation of the FSRU Alexandroupolis is of particular importance for the commissioning of the IP, as it will allow physical gas flow via the Greek transmission system of DESFA to IGB. The ongoing delay of the facility’s commissioning is affecting directly the start of operations at the IP. We’re looking forward to the FSRU’s launch and will continue to work diligently and in coordination with all interested parties to ensure the start of the operation of the IP as soon as possible," said the company.
The ICGB noted that the interconnection point IP Komotini-DESFA plays a pivotal role for the IGB gas pipeline by directly linking the interconnector’s system to that of the Greek national TSO.
"This link provides access to alternative natural gas sources, including the planned and existing LNG terminals on the territory of Greece, thus enhancing the regional importance of the interconnector. In particular, the strategic synergy between IGB and the FSRU Alexandroupolis is significant, as it is expected that the launch of the terminal will facilitate physical gas flow from Greece to Bulgaria, further boosting energy security and diversification of natural gas supplies for Bulgaria and the broader region," the company said.
ICGB said it is hopeful that the start of commercial operation of the LNG terminal would attract stronger market interest since it will enable more options for capacity booking for new players that haven’t been this active in the region until now.
"The strategic importance of IP Komotini-DESFA was already highlighted by the strong market interest indicated during the yearly capacity auctions in 2023, where IGB offered quasi-yearly capacity at the IP in anticipation of the launch of the terminal. This strategic move enabled market participants to leverage the synergy between the gas facilities and align their commercial strategies with the upcoming infrastructure developments," the company noted.
The IGB gas pipeline connects with the Greek national gas transmission system (DESFA S.A.) and the Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline (TAP AG) in the area of Komotini (Greece), and with the Bulgarian gas transmission system (Bulgartransgaz EAD) in the area of Stara Zagora.
The total length of the gas pipeline is 182 km, the diameter of the pipe - 32'' - and a design capacity of up to 3 billion cubic meters per year in the direction Greece - Bulgaria.
Depending on the market interest for larger capacity and the possibilities of the neighboring gas transmission systems, the capacity of IGB is designed with the option for increase up to 5 billion cubic meters per year with additional construction of a compressor station.
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