IGB: Hydrogen is a Topic of Interest for all Entities
The gas interconnector Greece – Bulgaria (IGB) connects Greece’s natural gas transmission network and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) near Komotini with the Bulgarian transmission network near Stara Zagora. The interconnector has an overall length of 182 km and a technical capacity of 3 bcm/y with potential expansion of up to 5 bcm/y.
Azerbaijan News Agency Report interviewed Teodora Georgieva, the executive director of the pipeline company ICGB.
“The pipeline is key for enhanced energy connectivity for the wider region,“ said Georgieva. ”It also created new opportunities for the import and export of natural gas to Bulgarian and Greek markets. Its role in a wider sense is just as vital. With Russia cutting off gas transit via Ukraine in January 2025, supplies from IGB can be used via the Trans-Balkan gas pipeline to reach Moldova and Ukraine.”
The company has interest in transporting hydrogen through IGB
“By all means, hydrogen is a topic of interest for all entities in the energy market,” Georgieva told the Report. ”ICGB will be delegating a detailed analysis on the opportunities to transport hydrogen in the future, but I’d like to point out that to a larger extent, our development in that aspect will depend on the market interest.”
A key strategic objective of IGB is to ensure energy diversification in terms of natural gas sources for Bulgaria and the broader region. As an integral part of developing the Southern Gas Corridor, the IGB pipeline facilitates access to substantial gas reserves from the Caspian region. IGB is set to create new market opportunities, enhance energy security, and promote international partnerships in the region.
“If the business becomes more hydrogen-ready and provides enough demand, TSOs will be ready to respond with the respective investment projects,” said Georgieva.
IGB can transport a small percentage of hydrogen mixed with natural gas
IGB has been acknowledged as a priority project in the context of the CESEC initiative and recognised as a project of common interest in the third (2017) Union List of Projects of Common Interest (PCI list). It is a game-changer for the Bulgarian energy market by introducing competition and ultimately leading to better consumer pricing.
“For now, even without additional investments, IGB can transport a small percentage of hydrogen mixed with natural gas,“ Report quotes Georgieva. ”We’re looking into the exact amount we can reach without investing in additional infrastructure. This will remain an area of interest in the long run, but for now, all efforts are dedicated to the security and quality of day-to-day operations and the expansion project.”
