Bulgartransgaz publishes proposals for projects to increase capacities along the Vertical Gas Corridor
"Bulgartransgaz" EAD, together with neighboring operators "DESFA" S.A. and "Transgaz" S.A., published for public consultation joint project proposals for increasing the capacities of the interconnection points Kulata/Sidirokastro and Negru Voda 1/Kardam.
The joint project between Bulgartransgaz EAD and DESFA S.A. to increase the capacity of IP Kulata/Sidirokastro in the direction from Greece to Bulgaria is considered in two options. The first will provide added capacity in the amount of 35.4 GWh/d, and the indicative value for the realization of the investment, including design, supply and construction, is about 108.7 million euros. In the second considered option, additional capacity will be provided in the amount of 104.4 GWh/d, and the indicative value, including design, supply and construction, is about 293.4 million euros. The joint project with Transgaz S.A. to increase the capacity in IP Negru Voda/Kardam in the direction from Bulgaria to Romania will provide additional capacity in the amount of 137.2 GWh/d. The indicative value for the realization of this investment, including design, supply and construction, is around 198.93 million euros. The indicated indicative values do not include the future costs for accompanying activities necessary for the implementation of the projects.
"These project proposals confirm the commitment of Bulgartransgaz and the other gas transmission operators participating in the Vertical Corridor initiative to ensure all the necessary conditions for the transfer of additional quantities of natural gas from the south to the north. With the implementation of the initiative, the diversification and security of gas supplies will be improved, as well as the competition on the natural gas market in the region will be strengthened", commented the executive director of the Bulgarian gas transmission operator Vladimir Malinov. "The simultaneous publication of the documentation of these strategic projects by the operators along the Vertical Corridor route aims to provide transparency and certainty for market participants," he added.
Bulgartransgaz is among the initiators of the idea of sustainable expansion of gas transmission infrastructure in the region and creation of capacity for two-way gas transmission from south to north in connection with the growing demand for quantities from new, reliable sources, including sources of liquefied natural gas from the USA, the Caspian region and other alternative sources from existing and newly constructed terminals.
Taking into account the expressed interest in the route and with the aim of preserving its price competitiveness and accelerated implementation of the projects, the operators of the Vertical Corridor are considering the possibilities of securing financial support from the states and the EU.
In accordance with the requirements of European legislation, the public consultation will continue until the end of February 2024.