Bulgarian gas transmission operator Bulgartransgaz is working on several projects for the connection of hydrogen networks between Bulgaria and Greece, said the company’s Executive Director Vladimir Malinov at the III. Sofia Economic Forum.
The minimum goal is to achieve 5 per cent connectivity by 1 January 2025, but the two countries will aim for an even higher ambition of achieving up to 10-15 per cent connectivity, reported BTA.
The Executive Director of Bulgartrans also revealed that there are plans for entirely new networks, including a hydrogen pipeline for the southern Maritsa basin, as well as a joint project to connect Sofia and Thessaloniki with a hydrogen pipeline.
Mr Malinov underlined that hydrogen is the future, however, it’s not a competitor but a supplement to natural gas. He believes that the current crises are more of an opportunity to grow and meet the challenges.
Speaking of the diversification of natural gas sources, the Executive Director of Bulgartransgaz said the first step has been taken as Bulgartransgaz acquired a 20 per cent share in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in Alexandroupolis, which will become operational at the beginning of 2024 at the latest.
This will provide Bulgaria with an alternative source and one at a competitive price. Then, he mentioned the project of the expansion of the Chiren gas storage facility, which will serve not only Bulgaria but other countries in the region as well. These investments will bring more stability to the market according to Mr Malinov.
