Energy regulator approves invitation for IGB capacity management tender

The guidelines have been published on the government’s Diavgeia website. RAE also said it is working with Bulgaria’s regulator to overcome procedural problems.
The IGB project consists of pipeline with an overall length of approximately 182 km, 31 of which are inside Greek territory, as well as supporting infrastructure (metering stations, valve stations and operation center). Its entry point will be in the vicinity of Komotini and the exit point near Stara Zagora in Bulgaria.
The present process of design, permitting procedures and financial structuring envisages the development of the IGB Pipeline with a transportation capacity of approximately 3 bNcm/y of natural gas from Greece to Bulgaria with ~57 barg pressure at the entry point and ~42 barg pressure at the exit point.
The technical design of the pipeline has reflected the possibility to meet possible future market needs for a higher transportation capacity through an upgrade to approximately 5 bNcm/y, which could be achieved through the installation of a compressor station.
According to the timeframe, construction is expected to start in the second half of 2016, while the start of operation is seen at the start of the second half of 2018.