(MENAFN- Trend News Agency)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 5. The delay in
commissioning of the floating storage and regasification unit
(FSRU) Alexandroupolis is affecting directly the start of
operations at the interconnection point (IP) Komotini-DESFA launch,
ICGB company, operator of the Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB)
told Trend .
The commercial operation of the IP Komotini DESFA-ICGB,
previously scheduled to start on July 1, 2024, has been
postponed.
"The physical interconnection between the two systems at the IP
is already completed even though commercial operations have not yet
begun. The successful start of commercial operation of the FSRU
Alexandroupolis is of particular importance for the commissioning
of the IP, as it will allow physical gas flow via the Greek
transmission system of DESFA to IGB. The ongoing delay of the
facility's commissioning is affecting directly the start of
operations at the IP. We're looking forward to the FSRU's launch
and will continue to work diligently and in coordination with all
interested parties to ensure the start of the operation of the IP
as soon as possible," said the company.
The ICGB noted that the interconnection point IP Komotini-DESFA
plays a pivotal role for the IGB gas pipeline by directly linking
the interconnector's system to that of the Greek national TSO.
"This link provides access to alternative natural gas sources,
including the planned and existing LNG terminals on the territory
of Greece, thus enhancing the regional importance of the
interconnector. In particular, the strategic synergy between IGB
and the FSRU Alexandroupolis is significant, as it is expected that
the launch of the terminal will facilitate physical gas flow from
Greece to Bulgaria, further boosting energy security and
diversification of natural gas supplies for Bulgaria and the
broader region," the company said.
ICGB said it is hopeful that the start of commercial operation
of the LNG terminal would attract stronger market interest since it
will enable more options for capacity booking for new players that
haven't been this active in the region until now.
"The strategic importance of IP Komotini-DESFA was already
highlighted by the strong market interest indicated during the
yearly capacity auctions in 2023, where IGB offered quasi-yearly
capacity at the IP in anticipation of the launch of the terminal.
This strategic move enabled market participants to leverage the
synergy between the gas facilities and align their commercial
strategies with the upcoming infrastructure developments," the
company noted.
The IGB gas pipeline connects with the Greek national gas
transmission system (DESFA S.A.) and the Trans-Adriatic gas
pipeline (TAP AG) in the area of Komotini (Greece), and with the
Bulgarian gas transmission system (Bulgartransgaz EAD) in the area
of Stara Zagora.
The total length of the gas pipeline is 182 km, the diameter of
the pipe - 32'' - and a design capacity of up to 3 billion cubic
meters per year in the direction Greece - Bulgaria.
Depending on the market interest for larger capacity and the
possibilities of the neighboring gas transmission systems, the
capacity of IGB is designed with the option for increase up to 5
billion cubic meters per year with additional construction of a
compressor station.
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