Projects to expand the infrastructure along the Vertical Gas Corridor will allow the transfer of additional quantities of natural gas from the south to the north

"With the implementation of the projects to expand the infrastructure along the Vertical Gas Corridor, it will be possible to transfer additional quantities of natural gas in the direction from south to north." This was said by the executive director of Bulgartransgaz EAD, Vladimir Malinov, during his third participation in the energy forum for Southeast Europe. The event, which takes place in Thessaloniki, is organized by the American-Hellenic Chamber of Commerce, the Hellenic Energy and Economic Association, the US Embassy in Greece and the Atlantic Council.

Before the participants, Malinov presented the results of the non-binding phase of the market test for added capacity at the interconnection points between Greece and Bulgaria and Bulgaria and Romania. "For certain gas years, the requests exceed more than twice the current infrastructure capabilities, which confirms the trend of a significant increase in gas flows, mostly from liquefied natural gas," added Malinov. With positive results from the binding phase of the market test, Bulgartransgaz is expected to realize an increase in the capacity of the Kulata/Sidirokastro, Kardam/Negru Voda and Stara Zagora interconnection points. The possibility of the new infrastructure being suitable for the transfer of hydrogen is being considered.

"Following the cessation of supplies from Russia, liquefied natural gas from reliable sources is of strategic importance for Europe's energy security. After the commissioning of the terminal in Alexandroupolis, the role of liquefied gas for the markets along the Vertical Corridor, and in the wider region, including Serbia, North Macedonia, Ukraine and Moldova, will be leading," said Malinov. According to him, Bulgaria is the best example of how LNG supplies can help ensure supply. "The successful entry into the market of alternative supplies, including LNG, requires sufficient natural gas storage capacities. Currently, Bulgartransgaz is actively working on the expansion of the Chiren underground gas storage facility, which will guarantee the security of supply and contribute to the development of the regional market," stressed Vladimir Malinov.