ICGB has signed an interconnection agreement with the neighbouring natural gas Transmission System Operator DESFA at an interconnection point (IP) located at Komotini, Greece, after successful tests a this IP. An announcement on the ICGB website says that the connection has already been successfully tested with natural gas quantities to ensure the safe exploitation following the October 1 launch of the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis.
ICGB Executive Officers Teodora Georgieva and George Satlas are quored as saying that this is a key step in ensuring the IGB pipeline facilitates the transportation of natural gas volumes coming after the commercial launch of the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis. They also said that the two infrastructures are in great synergy.
The IGB pipeline is already connected with the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and with the natural gas transmission system of Bulgartransgaz. The new interconnection agreement will allow interested parties with booked capacities from the Alexandroupolis floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) to transport gas via the IGB pipeline, establishing a new route for natural gas deliveries to Southeast and Central Europe.
ICGB intends to put IP Komotini DESFA/ICGB in operation as of October 1, 2024 if the respective confirmation is issued by upstream systems operators.
IGB’s current capacity is 3 bcm/y with the potential to reach 5 bcm/y. "The independent transmission system operator (TSO) ICGB is already engaged with the capacity expansion as a strategic step towards securing access to natural gas deliveries from diversified sources. This is also a vital project under the Vertical Gas Corridor, uniting the region’s TSO including Moldova and Ukraine," ICGB said.