ICGB is now also successfully offering capacity for volumes to come from the Alexandroupolis LNG terminal, creating more flexible opportunities for new shippers to enter the local market

ICGB Executive Officer Teodora Georgieva was honored at the CEENERGY NEWS Awards 2023, which were held in Budapest, Hungary as part of the 4^th annual Budapest Climate Summit.

Georgieva received the special media award for inspiring and influential leader in the energy sector for her work on developing and implementing the interconnector Greece-Bulgaria. Promoting more sustainable energy solutions, supporting energy transition, energy security and active, transparent communication with national and international media on ICGB’s operations were also recognized by the jury.

“We recently celebrated one year of commercial operations for the IGB pipeline – an achievement that feels so fulfilling after years of hard work to make this project possible. It is now a vital part of Bulgaria’s energy security, and it made it possible to support our allies Moldova and Ukraine in difficult times – the essence of European solidarity, connectivity and strength in unity”, said Georgieva during the ceremony. She highlighted IGB’s significance for the region’s energy market as a prerequisite for the project’s next phase – capacity expansion to 5 bcm/y.

“The interconnector is of vital importance to Bulgaria and plays well with all other energy infrastructures planned or already developed in the region – TANAP, TAP, EastMed, the LNG terminals in Greece – especially the one in Alexandroupolis”, said Georgieva. According to her, ICGB is already offering capacity at the interconnection point with the Greek national operator DESFA that will enable gas transportation upon the launch of the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis, where the Bulgarian state is also a shareholder.

“This strategy ensured high market interest and capacity booking for the gas year 2023-2024 and further, and provided more flexible opportunities for new shippers to enter our market. Securing diverse, reliable sources of natural gas supplies has inevitable, positive impact on households and businesses and this has to be our top priority and inspiration”, said Georgieva. According to her, IGB symbolizes the power of collaboration, international cooperation, and the vision to create a more sustainable and interconnected energy landscape for our region. “This is the driving force for ICGB’s excellent team, and this recognition is a testament to the efforts of all our experts as well”, she noted.