ICGB signs an interconnection agreement with DESFA
ICGB has already tested successfully the IP at Komotini with natural gas prior to the commissioning of the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis
ICGB has signed an interconnection agreement with the neighbouring natural gas Transmission System Operator DESFA at the interconnection point (IP) located at Komotini, Greece.
The Agreement adheres to all applicable regulatory requirements and outlines a comprehensive set of terms, conditions, and procedures that will govern all operations at the IP. Both TSOs will ensure secure, safe, reliable, and effective interoperability at the IP, once it commences commercial operation. In the monthly capacity auction for October ICGB has offered available capacity of 48,044,459 kwh/day at the IP.
“This is a key step in ensuring the IGB pipeline facilitates the transportation of natural gas volumes coming after the commercial launch of the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis. The two infrastructures are in great synergy, and we expect that the commissioning of the FSRU could significantly increase market interest in existing and planned capacity”, said ICGB’s Executive Officers Teodora Georgieva and George Satlas. The connection has already been successfully tested with natural gas quantities to ensure the safe exploitation following Oct 1st.
The IGB pipeline is already connected with the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and with the natural gas transmission system of Bulgartransgaz. The new interconnection agreement will allow interested parties with booked capacities from the FSRU to transport gas via the IGB pipeline, establishing a new route for natural gas deliveries to Southeast and Central Europe. ICGB intends to put IP Komotini DESFA/ICGB in operation as of 1st of October 2024 if the respective confirmation is issued by upstream systems operators.
IGB’s current capacity is 3 bcm/y with the potential to reach 5 bcm/y. The independent TSO ICGB is already engaged with the capacity expansion as a strategic step towards securing access to natural gas deliveries from diversified sources. This is also a vital project under the Vertical Gas Corridor, uniting the region’s TSO including Moldova and Ukraine.
IGB Project
Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria is co-financed by the European Union's
European Energy Programme for Recovery programme.
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