EWRC asked Bulgartransgaz to focus more investments on building new gas pipeline diversions of its network

The Energy and Water Regulatory Commission (EWRC) held a public discussion of the Ten-Year Plan of "Bulgartransgaz" EAD for the development of networks for the period 2023-2032, submitted by the gas transmission operator. In accordance with the requirements for publicity and transparency of the activity of state institutions, the report of the working group was published in advance on the EWRC website. Only representatives of "Bulgartransgaz" EAD took part in the public discussion. Invitations to participate were sent to interested parties - Ministry of Energy, Bulgargaz EAD, Bulgarian Natural Gas Association, Bulgarian Gas Association, Association of Natural Gas Traders, IСGB, etc., but they did not respond, reported the energy regulator.

"Bulgartransgaz" EAD is certified as an independent transmission operator of the gas transmission system of Bulgaria, and according to the Energy Law, the Commission approves the Ten-Year Plan for the development of the transmission network submitted by the company, monitoring and controlling its implementation.

One of the main goals laid down in the Plan is to guarantee the security of natural gas supplies through investments in the construction of intersystem connections to ensure connectivity with other gas transmission networks, as well as investments in the expansion of the Chiren gas processing plant. By the end of 2023, it is planned to complete the Bulgaria-Serbia Intersystem Gas Connection (IBS) at a value of over BGN 140 million, and by 2024 to complete the expansion of the capacity of the "Chiren" LNG plant at a value of over BGN 503 million. BGN. The transmission operator will increase and guarantee the technical security, safety and reliability of the gas infrastructure and will provide access to natural gas to new municipalities and to new end users. In this way, the improvement of ecology, quality of life and energy efficiency will be achieved. Investments in the amount of nearly BGN 1.180 billion (without VAT) are planned for the implementation of these goals. Along with the development of the infrastructure for the transmission and storage of natural gas, projects for additional guarantee of energy security and diversification of the sources and routes for the supply of natural gas for Bulgaria and the region have a priority place in the period 2023-2032. In this way, Bulgaria's gas infrastructure will connect the common European natural gas market with the markets in the Caspian region, Central Asia, the Middle East and the Eastern Mediterranean basin. The implementation of the company's projects is mutually bound and will contribute to the efficiency and development of the pan-European gas network. The investment activity of Bulgartransgaz EAD also includes the construction of new gas pipeline diversions to accelerate gasification in various regions of the country, which will bring economic, social and environmental benefits to the population. The implementation of projects for the construction of infrastructure for the transfer of hydrogen and low-carbon gaseous fuels is also planned.

The expected result of the implementation of the Ten-Year Plan of "Bulgartransgaz" EAD is an increase in the quality and volume of the natural gas transportation and storage services offered by the company. This contributes to the transformation of Bulgaria into a significant regional gas center - a hub, creating technical possibilities for the entry and exit of natural gas flows from various sources and along new routes.

At the public discussion, the representatives of Bulgartransgaz EAD stated that they accept the report of the working group. According to them, the implementation of the planned activities in the Ten-Year Plan will contribute to increasing the energy security of the country and to the development of competition in the gas trade.

In the course of the discussion, the Commission put some specific questions to the transmission operator, related to the possibility of gas companies using the gas pipeline planned for construction from the "Chiren" gas station to the "Butan" gas station in order to store quantities in the "Chiren" gas station. A request was made for the priority construction of gas pipeline deviations delayed from previous years, with the aim of accelerating gasification in different regions of the country.

The Commission will take a final decision to approve the Ten-Year Network Development Plan for the period 2023-2032 of "Bulgartransgaz" EAD at a closed meeting on 13.09.2023.