The projects shall enable the gasification of 12 municipalities, bringing a number of economic and social benefits
Bulgartransgaz EAD and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) signed a Grant Agreement № 057 providing grants from Kozloduy International Fund for construction of three gas transmission pipelines with Automatic gas regulation stations (AGRS) to Svishtov, Panagyurishte, Pirdop, Bansko and Razlog. The total cost of the three projects was estimated to 21,790,000 Euro, of which 11,000,000 Euro is the grant from Kozloduy International Fund. Bulgartransgaz EAD co-financing amounts to 10,790,000 Euro.
The agreement shall be signed as a result of the decision of the Assembly of the Donors to the Kozloduy International Fund and was effected by the key role of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, conducting active and consistent negotiations during the last year, aimed at considering the three branches as projects of high economic and social value.
Thanks to providing the targeted grants, now Bulgartransgaz EAD already has the capability and a final investment decision to launch the implementation of these projects has been taken.
The development of the national gas transmission network with the three new gas pipeline branches, the construction of which is scheduled to be completed by 2016, will enable the gasification of the municipalities Svishtov, Pirdop, Panagyurishte, Bansko and Razlog. The projects implementation will enable natural gas supply to seven other municipalities - Belene, Nikopol, Zlatitsa, Strelcha, Mirkovo, Chavdar, Chelopech by construction of gas distribution networks from these branches.
The total population of the twelve municipalities who will benefit the projects exceed 104,000 people. Forty-two industrial consumers, about 300 public users and about 18 900 households shall be the potential users. The estimated total annual consumption of the twelve municipalities can reach 183 mcm.
The gas transmission pipelines' construction will bring significant economic, public and social benefits. The energy efficiency will increase and electricity consumption will be reduced, so the electricity savings are expected to amount to 221 789 MWh/year.
Security of supply is a significant effect of the municipalities' gasification, thus avoiding the necessity of ensuring solid fuel reserves.
The capability of supplying natural gas to local industries is a key prerequisite to economy sustainable development. The largest non-ferrous metals extraction enterprises forming the cluster 'Srednogorie' operate in the region Panagyurishte-Pirdop. The use of natural gas instead of electricity and petroleum products will realize substantial savings and reduction of harmful emissions.
The benefits of projects' implementation are related to costs reduction and quality of life improvement.
During construction of the three gas pipelines a total of about 500 temporary jobs will be ensured, whereas the project realization will create over 100 permanent jobs.
Technical characteristics and investments:
Gas transmission pipeline with AGRS to Bansko and Razlog is planned to be of a length of 40 km and a diameter of DN 273. One Automatic gas regulation station is planned to be built.
The total project cost estimate is 9,670,000 Euro, of which 4,840,000 Euro granted by Kozloduy International Fund. Besides the two municipalities Bansko and Razlog, the towns Banya and Dobrinishte are expected to be gasified as well.
Gas transmission pipeline with AGRS to Panagyurishte - Pirdop is planned to be of a length of 46 km and a diameter of DN 273. Two Automatic gas regulation stations are planned to be built. The total project cost estimate is 7,200,000 Euro, of which 3,600,000 Euro granted by Kozloduy International Fund. The project implementation is expected to enable the gasification of a total of 7 municipalities - Pirdop, Zlatitsa, Panagyurishte, Strelcha, Mirkovo, Chavdar and Chelopech, located in the region 'Tsentralno Srednogorie'.
Gas transmission pipeline with AGRS to Svishtov is planned to be of a length of 36 km, a diameter of DN 200 and operating pressure of PN 54 bar. One Automatic gas regulation station is planned to be built. The total project cost estimate is 4,720,000 Euro, of which 2,360,000 Euro granted by Kozloduy International Fund. The project implementation is expected to enable the gasification of a total of 3 municipalities - Svishtov, Nikopol and Belene located in the region of Central Northern Bulgaria on the Danube River bank.