“The implementation of the Vertical Gas Corridor infrastructure expansion projects will allow additional natural gas quantities to be transported from south to north”, said the Executive Director of Bulgaria’s gas transmission system operator Bulgartransgaz, Vladimir Malinov during his third participation in the Southeast Europe Energy Forum.
Mr Malinov presented the results of the non-binding phase of the market test for incremental capacity at the interconnection points between Greece and Bulgaria and Bulgaria and Romania.
“For certain gas years, the nominations are more than double the current infrastructure capacity, confirming the trend of significantly increasing gas flows, especially from LNG”, he added. Should the binding phase of the market test show positive results, Bulgartransgaz is expected to increase the capacity of the interconnection points Kulata/Sidirokastro, Negru Voda/Kardam and Stara Zagora. The possibility of the new infrastructure also being suitable for hydrogen transmission is under consideration.
“Following the supply cut-off from Russia, LNG from reliable sources is of strategic importance for Europe’s energy security,” Mr Malinov continued. “After the commissioning of the Alexandroupolis terminal, the liquefied natural gas will have a key role for the markets along the Vertical Corridor and in the wider region, including Serbia, North Macedonia, Ukraine and Moldova.”
He noted that Bulgaria is the best example of how LNG supplies can help to secure the supply. “Successful entry into the market of alternative supplies, including LNG, requires sufficient natural gas storage capacity. Bulgartransgaz is currently actively engaged in the expansion of the Chiren Underground Gas Storage Facility, which will ensure the security of supply and contribute to the development of the regional market”, Vladimir Malinov emphasised.
