20.01.2021
By the expansion of the Underground Gas Storage Chiren (UGS Chiren), the interconnectors and the country’s share in the liquefied natural gas terminal Bulgaria is now working hard for the Three Seas Initiative (3SI). While others are still talking, we are already proceeding with the construction and earthwork. This was stated by Prime Minister Boyko Borissov at today’s cabinet meeting where the Bulgartransgaz Executive Director Vladimir Malinov reported on the progress of three key energy projects.
“This week we launched a public procurement procedure for the supply of equipment and the construction of the Interconnector Bulgaria-Serbia (IBS). The length on the Bulgarian territory is 62 kilometers. The project cost is about BGN 144 million,” Mr. Malinov said. Further, the Bulgartransgaz Executive Director noted that a public tender was opened this week to invite bids for the replacement of UGS Chiren ground equipment. “It is an extremely important element of the national gas transmission infrastructure and will provide an even greater possibility for diversification, security of supply and energy security,” Vladimir Malinov added. The Bulgartransgaz Executive Director reported that following the decision of the Commission for Protection of Competition, Bulgartransgaz is a full stakeholder and player in the LNG terminal on the territory of Greece.
“These are three major projects that receive EU support as Projects of Common Interest (PCIs). They are supported by all our partners and will significantly contribute to Bulgaria’s security. Their implementation will strengthen Bulgaria’s role on Europe’s gas map and will enable the country to continue to be a partner that is predictable and a factor that cannot be ignored,” Mr. Malinov said.
“The projects are extremely and equally important for our neighbors to whom we offer opportunities same as in Bulgaria,” Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said on his part. The Prime Minister noted that the increase of the UGS Chiren capacity to over a billion cubic meters of gas is associated, among other things, with the Bulgarian investment in the LNG terminal in Greece and with the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB). “With the interconnections in operation Bulgaria can confidently announce that the Balkan Gas Hub is in place is and that we are a major distributer in this sector,” the Prime Minister concluded.
