ICGB is certified as an independent natural gas transmission operator

The Commission for Energy and Water Regulation, together with the National Energy Regulator of the Republic of Greece - RAE, will present at an official ceremony a Final joint decision on the certification of "ICGB" JSC as an independent natural gas transmission operator. A representative of the European Commission in Bulgaria will also participate in the event.

After the successful completion of the certification procedure, ICGB AD (ICGB) became the second independent gas transmission operator in the country. With the Final Joint Decision of EWRC and RAE, all regulatory requirements for putting the Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) gas connection into commercial operation after July 1, 2022 are fulfilled. The decision of the national energy regulators of Bulgaria and Greece was adopted after a successfully completed procedure in agreement with the European Commission. The whole process was completed in a short time, given the extremely important role of the interconnector.

With the adopted Joint Decision, the two national regulatory bodies make a significant contribution to the launch of the IGB gas connection, which is of strategic importance for the region. Through it, the gas transmission systems of Bulgaria and Greece are connected and diversification of the sources and routes of gas supplies for Bulgaria and South-Eastern Europe is ensured. The interconnector is a new route for the import of gas into Bulgaria, which helps directly to secure supplies and achieve competitive prices. Its design capacity to transfer 3 billion cubic meters natural gas creates additional opportunities for supplies from the Southern Gas Corridor and liquefied natural gas markets from different parts of the world. In a longer-term perspective, the IGB interconnector will be able to transport natural gas from Israel and Cyprus, as well as additional volumes from Azerbaijan and other countries.

The final joint certification decision will be handed to ICGB Executive Directors Teodora Georgieva and Konstantinos Karayanakos by the Chairmen of the two national regulatory bodies - Stanislav Todorov and Athanasios Dagoumas.