IGB Pipeline

The Greece-Bulgaria interconnector may see its capacity boosted from the current 3 bcm/y to a total 5 bcm/y as early as 2025. With the incremental capacity process currently ongoing, ICGB is scheduling the next steps in coordination with adjacent transmission system operators. “With the non-binding phase of the process completed, we received indications for significant market interest in expanding the pipeline’s capacity. The binding phase will come in July 2024 – when energy traders and shippers commit to booking capacity”, said ICGB’s Executive Officers George Satlas and Teodora Georgieva during a meeting of the TSOs under the Vertical Gas Corridor (Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary).

The independent transmission system operator has received the last remaining tranche under the European energy programme for recovery after a successful audit; the total value of the project is EUR 253 million.

The independent transmission operator ICGB has utilized the final tranche under the European energy programme for recovery (EEPR) for the implementation of the Greece-Bulgaria gas interconnector. Amounting to EUR 22.1 million, it was approved after ICGB successfully underwent an external audit.

Over 16.4 million MWh have been transported through the IGB pipeline in its first year of commercial operations. Launched in line with the start of the gas year on Oct 1^st 2022, the interconnector between Greece and Bulgaria ensures a new route for secure, diversified natural gas deliveries to Bulgaria and the wider region. “Throughout its inaugural year, IGB has upheld an impeccable record, meeting all daily nominations with no major interruptions in gas flow. This achievement is due to the strict implementation of our operations procedures, but also to ICGB’s dedicated team of outstanding professionals”, said ICGB’s Executive Officers Teodora Georgieva and George Satlas.