site.btaUPDATED Construction Work on Greece-Bulgaria Gas Interconnector to Be Finished by Early September

The construction work on the Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) project will be fully completed by September 7-8, the Executive Director of Avax Group, the company building the interconnector, said at a meeting with President Rumen Radev on Friday. The head of State met with the management of Avax and of the ICGB project company to clarify the progress and the necessary steps for the prompt and efficient completion of the IGB project. 

Also attending were caretaker Prime Minister Galab Donev and Vice President Iliana Iotova.

Avax Group Executive Director Antonios Mitzalis explained that the company had experienced difficulties in orienting itself in the exact technical requirements of the Bulgarian normative regulations on putting the interconnector into operation, but has already received clarifications and will manage. 

Teodora Georgieva of ICGB confirmed that the work on the project is on the home stretch. The main tasks have been completed and only the accompanying tasks on the interconnector’s legalization remain, she said. 

In her words, a discussion is being held with Bulgargaz on when exactly to activate the Komotini point (Northeastern Greece) for receiving Azeri gas. The ICGB will entirely take into view Bulgargaz’ commitments, under which Azeri gas is to be received through Nea Mesembria-Sidirokastro until the end of September.

Georgieva expects the project to the handed to ICGB ready for use and meeting all legislative requirements.

President Radev said that the intersystem gas connection between Bulgaria and Greece is not just an infrastructure project: it is of huge significance for achieving real gas supplies diversification for Bulgaria and the countries in Central and Eastern Europe. The project is also important for guaranteeing the stable economic development of the region and for carrying out the European policy on guaranteeing the independence and security of energy supplies.

“Finishing this infrastructure and geopolitical project amid the serious global energy crisis, limited supplies and rising prices is of particular importance for our countries,” Radev said. The head of State stressed that the Bulgarian side is ready to provide full assistance for putting the interconnector into operation as soon as possible.