Bulgartransgaz can ensure diversification for the region by realization of the projects of common interest to the EU which the company implements - Interconnection Bulgaria-Serbia, the expansion of the underground gas storage facility in Chiren and the rehabilitation of the existing gas transmission system, as well as the participation in the project for construction of a liquefied gas terminal in Alexandroupolis. We will remain a strategic and indispensable partner on the Balkans. This was said by the Executive Director of Bulgartransgaz EAD Mr. Vladimir Malinov during a ceremony which marked the beginning of the actual construction works of IBS.
The event was attended by the President of the Republic of Bulgaria Mr. Rumen Radev, the President of the Republic of Serbia Mr. Aleksandar Vučić, the Energy Ministers of both countries - Mr. Rosen Hristov and Ms. Dubravka Đedović, the Chairperson of the Energy and Water Regulatory Commission Mr. Ivan Ivanov, the directors of the gas transmission operators of both countries Mr. Vladimir Malinov and Mr. Dušan Bajatović, as well as Ms. Beatrice Coda, Head of Unit at CINEA - the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency.
The interconnector with Serbia is a pledge for the future and an expression of the will of our countries not only to develop the bilateral relations, but together to build a vision for a common European future based on solidarity, mutual trust and support, innovative approaches and new technologies. This was stated by President Rumen Radev during launch of the specialized construction activities for construction of the interconnection IBS on Bulgarian territory.
In a video address, the European Commissioner for Energy, Ms. Kadri Simson, emphasized that "Bulgaria's serious efforts to become independent and diversify have yielded actual results." In her words, the commencement of construction works on the interconnection between Bulgaria and Serbia is another crucial stage, a step forward towards integration of the region and unhindered flows between the participating countries. The significance of this project goes beyond EU borders.
The Interconnection Bulgaria - Serbia (IBS) envisages construction of a new gas pipeline connecting the gas transmission systems of the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of Serbia. The route is of about 170 km total length, from the town of Novi Iskar in Bulgaria to the town of Niš in Serbia. On Bulgarian territory, the length of the infrastructure is about 62 km and includes two gas pipeline branches - to the municipalities of Slivnitsa and Dragoman, which will also provide opportunity for gasification of settlements along the route and will contribute to reducing carbon emissions by replacing the currently used solid and liquid fuels with natural gas.
The construction of the reverse gas Interconnection Bulgaria – Serbia will enable diversification of the natural gas supply to the region by ensuring new natural gas supply sources and routes. Bulgaria will get access to gas sources from Western Europe along a completely new route and Serbia, to LNG terminals and other alternative sources in the region.
By implementation of this joint project, supported by the European Commission, both the integration of the gas market and the competition between suppliers will improve, for the benefit of business and households.
The Bulgarian section of IBS is financed through Bulgartransgaz EAD's own funds, raised funds, as well as with the financial support of the EU under Operational Programme "Innovation and Competitiveness" 2014-2020 and the Connecting Europe Facility.
The gas pipeline is planned to be commissioned until October 2023.
