Bulgartransgaz Photo
The first hydrogen project for Bulgaria has been included in the First List of Projects of Common Interest (PCI) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI) for the EU published today by the European Commission. The list was announced during the 4th edition of the PCI Energy Days in Brussels, Belgium. The Bulgarian gas transmission operator Bulgartransgaz participated for the second time with its own stand in the event organised by the European Commission.
Hydrogen Transmission Infrastructure in Bulgaria is Bulgartransgaz EAD's proposal which is a key project to implementing the concept of clean hydrogen transportation. The planned infrastructure consists of a new pipeline with a length of approximately 250 km and two compressor stations in the area of Dupnitsa and Kulata. A hydrogen interconnection point with the network of the Greek gas transmission operator DESFA in the area of Kulata/Sidirokastro has been envisaged. The new infrastructure will allow bi-directional transmission of both domestically produced hydrogen and hydrogen from Greece.
“Hydrogen Transmission Infrastructure in Bulgaria is an important step in the development of the hydrogen network in the region and will contribute significantly to implementing the priority corridor for the transmission of green hydrogen from Southeast to Central Europe”, emphasized Vladimir Malinov, Executive Director of Bulgartransgaz EAD. “Today's decision of the Commission recognises the importance of the project and provides an opportunity to apply for grant funding for survey activities and, in the future, to co-finance the construction itself. As a responsible gas transmission operator, we are already developing projects for the further development of the hydrogen transmission infrastructure to neighbouring countries, as well as to adapt the existing gas transmission system to work with hydrogen-gas mixtures,” he added.
The inclusion of the Hydrogen Transmission Infrastructure in Bulgaria project in the sixth list of projects of common interest to the Community is an important step in meeting the EU's objectives of decarbonisation and ensuring affordable energy for all consumers.
At its stand, Bulgartransgaz EAD provided information on the implementation of the ongoing projects of common interest. The construction of the Bulgarian section of the Bulgaria-Serbia interconnector was completed this year, in line with the European objectives of building an interconnected and single pan-European gas market. This is a key connectivity project that allows LNG supplies from terminals in Greece to Bulgaria's western neighbour Serbia. The other strategic project of common interest for the region, which is being implemented, is the expansion of the underground gas storage facility Chiren. The growth of supplies to Bulgaria and the region from alternative sources, including LNG, significantly increases the need for gas storage expansion. Both projects are being implemented with partial grant funding from the EU under the Connecting Europe Facility.