IGB gas pipeline ready for commercial operation
The Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector (IGB), which will transport gas from Azerbaijan, is ready to start commercial operation on October 1, reports citing the IGB project company (project operator),
The project’s implementation is in the final stage of completion, and administrative procedures for granting operational licenses and Right of Use acts are ongoing in both countries.
The entire 31 km section of the interconnector on Greek territory was audited for two days (8th – 9th Sept) with representatives of the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy (Hydrocarbons Directorate-Installations Department) and ICGB’s management.
The audit is part of the procedure for granting operational permits for the pipeline’s section on the territory of the Hellenic Republic. The delegation inspected in detail the gas metering station near Komotini, one of the block valves, the tie-in points with TAP and DESFA, including the entire linear part of the pipeline in Greece.
“We are looking at a pipeline that opens a new, secure gateway for diversified natural gas deliveries not only for the two host countries but for the wider SEE region and with the option to transmit natural gas to Ukraine and Moldova as well. All efforts remain focused on completing the remaining secondary activities under the EPC contract and the required administrative procedures in Greece and Bulgaria to achieve the set deadline”, said ICGB’s Executive Officers Teodora Georgieva and George Satlas.
