Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (ICGB) AD

Europe’s energy autonomy depends on interconnected systems and diverse supply routes. The Vertical Gas Corridor can play a key role in this effort, securing larger and more predictable natural #gas deliveries for multiple markets. This was highlighted by ICGB’s Executive Officers Teodora Georgieva and George Satlas during their meetings as part of #COP29 held in Baku, Azerbaijan. #Decarbonization and energy #transition remain central commitments, and natural gas will maintain its position as a transition fuel that is crucial for balancing immediate energy needs with longer-term sustainability. The #IGB pipeline strengthens its regional role in providing diversified natural gas deliveries, as both the Greek and Bulgarian high-level delegations at COP29 Azerbaijan referred to the #interconnector as a strategic step for energy security and a great example of international partnership. “Energy security and transition are inseparable, and #ICGB is committed to supporting regional energy resilience while advancing a sustainable energy framework. There is a strong need to balance #energy security with environmental goals, and the Vertical Gas Corridor can support both,” said George Satlas. According to Teodora Georgieva, the importance of the initiative must be acknowledged at an #EU level to enable subsidies for projects that will address existing bottlenecks along the vertical route from Greece to Hungary. “This will have a crucial effect on vulnerable markets such as #Ukraine and #Moldova as well,” Georgieva noted. #energynews #oilandgas #naturalgas #gaspipeline #IGBpipeline #diversification #energytransition #energysecurity #energyindependence

As World Quality Week begins, ICGB spotlights some of its best practices for operational safety and managing the #IGB pipeline.   ICGB’s protocols meet the highest industry standards, supporting a safety record with zero major incidents since launch. The interconnector’s modern #infrastructure, paired with advanced monitoring systems, enables comprehensive oversight and effective risk management across all operations.   ICGB's skilled experts ensure every process aligns with industry standards, delivering safe and dependable #energy infrastructure for natural gas transportation. The Health, Safety, Security, and Quality (HSSQ) team plays a critical role in prioritizing safety, environmental protection, and infrastructure integrity. Their commitment drives ICGB’s goal to provide a secure, reliable, and high-quality energy transport system.   #ICGB is dedicated to upholding quality across all aspects of its operations. #WorldQualityWeek #HSSQ #EnergySecurity #NaturalGas #RiskManagement

ICGB is dedicated to contributing to local communities along the #IGB pipeline’s route. This commitment recently brought ICGB’s team together to once again support the family-type accommodation center for children in Momchilgrad.    All kids enjoyed a three-day experiential program based on the "Learning by Experience" approach, filled with social and educational games, cultural activities, and exciting challenges. Designed to highlight each child’s unique strengths, the program created lasting memories through activities ranging from exploring historical and cultural sites to kayaking adventures. It was an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.   ICGB’s #commitment to environmental and social protection has been a core element of the company’s identity from the very start. The team continues to strengthen these efforts by supporting local stakeholders with initiatives under its livelihood restoration plan, promoting both #safety and sustainable development. #ICGB #CSR #CommunityEngagement #IGBpipeline #gaspipeline

ICGB signed a Memorandum of understanding on a joint approach and action plan to harmonize #gas quality requirements at IPs in the Central and South-Eastern European Energy Connectivity (CESEC) region. During the latest #CESEC meeting held in Budapest, TSOs from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, North Macedonia, Croatia, Moldova, Ukraine, Slovenia, and Hungary all committed to joint actions aimed at strengthening the region’s energy security. “This is crucial for utilizing the existing #infrastructure at its maximum, ensuring interoperability and the full potential for diversified gas flows. The proposed approach aims to provide transparency to network users and will ultimately be key for enabling a #sustainable and affordable #energy transition, supporting the EU’s ambition for a fully integrated internal energy market”, noted ICGB’s Executive Officers George Satlas and Teodora Georgieva. The TSOs within the CESEC region, together with the European Commission, are now prioritizing the harmonization of gas quality parameters at #IPs as the region seeks to permanently reduce and overcome its dependence on Russian natural gas by incorporating new supply sources such as the Southern Gas Corridor and #LNG imports via Greece. These diversified sources come with varied gas quality parameters, necessitating standardization to ensure the interoperability of gas infrastructure and enable seamless cross-border gas trade and transport. #ICGB is already cooperating with all regional TSOs on multiple initiatives, including the Vertical Gas Corridor. The TSOs will jointly assess by 30 April 2025 the impact of harmonizing gas quality requirements in the CESEC region on the affected interconnection agreements, and by 30 April 2025 will have to produce an action plan containing an estimate of necessary steps and timing for the development of harmonized gas quality requirements. #energynews #oilandgas #energyindustry #energyindependence #interconnector #gaspipeline #naturalgas #igbpipeline #energyconnectivity #diversification #energysecurity

Gas is crucial for energy security and #diversification of sources in Europe. It will continue playing its key role in balancing the transition to cleaner energy – yet, Eastern and Western Europe move at a different pace in this aspect and we need to bear it in mind and have realistic expectations. We are not resisting to change, but we need to ask for support to make it happen, ICGB Executive Officer Teodora Georgieva said during the annual GIE conference.   Georgieva addressed key energy challenges and opportunities for European businesses, including Europe’s reliance on imported #energy. According to her, this creates vulnerabilities in supply chains and exposes businesses to price volatility, especially amid geopolitical tensions like the Russia-Ukraine conflict.   “LNG now covers 37% of Europe’s #gas consumption and quickly became a substitute for Russian natural gas. Geopolitical dynamics are still high in the region, and we still don’t know how long #LNG will be competitive in our market. Turkey is also trying to become a hub and dumping plays a role here – the question is what Europe will do to mitigate the risks this poses”, Georgieva said.   The discussion also centered on the necessity of strategic investments such as the #expansion projects under the Vertical Gas Corridor, an initiative vital for securing diversified and reliable energy routes. “This initiative, which includes Bulgaria and the #IGB pipeline, is indispensable for ensuring Europe's energy security and stability in the face of redirected gas flows due to the evolving geopolitical landscape. As a transitional fuel, gas remains key in Europe’s energy mix, and projects like this are essential for a sustainable and secure energy future”, Georgieva highlighted while calling for support for the implementation of the project. “Our main goal is to remain competitive even when we talk about expansions and subsidy”, she was adamant. You can watch the discussion here: https://lnkd.in/deJ5c5kH #GIEMunich24 #GIEAC24 #GIEAnnualConference #EnergyTransition #Gasinfrastructure #oilandgas #energynews #energysecurity #energyindependence #gaspipeline #igbpipeline #naturalgas

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The IGB #interconnector is the first fully automated gas pipeline in Bulgaria and Greece. ICGB utilizes advanced technologies to monitor and control the #pipeline, providing real-time data and alerts for potential issues like leaks, and enables predictive maintenance through data analysis. ICGB’s Executive Officer George Satlas spoke at the 7th edition of the Automation and Digitalisation Congress – AUTOMA, highlighting the role of modern technologies in securing operational efficiency. “Our vision to move toward fully unmanned stations is a process that is still in development. #ICGB continues to explore integrating new smart technologies to support remote operations and enhance leak detection”, Satlas said. According to him, #AI is not yet integrated into the pipeline’s systems, but AI-based solutions are being explored to determine whether and how they can strengthen ICGB’s approach. “The broader the array of technologies, the more secure the operations will become”, Satlas commented while discussing the possible implementation of visual systems using laser #technology. However, the most efficient way to ensure safe and efficient pipeline operations is the combination of advanced technologies and human expertise. “At ICGB, we have built a strong team of dedicated professionals, and this makes a huge impact on our excellent performance with 0 major accidents to date”, said Satlas. #energynews #oilandgas #gaspipeline #naturalgas #diversification #AUTOMA2024

The #IGB pipeline is already connected to the Greek national transmission system, allowing gas from the recently launched #LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis to be transported to multiple markets in the region via the #interconnector. ICGB’s teams worked hard to make this possible, ensuring the safe #commissioning of the IP at Komotini. The Operations team at ICGB applied their expertise to manage the physical testing and commissioning, with the support of the Health, Safety, and Security department. #ICGB prioritizes maintaining a safe working environment in its daily operations, a key aspect of the #gas transmission process. The IT department ensured seamless connectivity and system integration, showcasing exceptional technological synergy. As ICGB celebrates its second anniversary since the pipeline’s commercial launch, the dedication and professional commitment of all team members continue to stand out as an example of industry excellence. #igbpipeline #energyindustry #energynews #careersinenergy #diversification

As we welcome October 1st and the beginning of the new gas year, we’re thrilled to also mark a pivotal milestone in #IGB pipeline’s journey with the launch of our interconnection point with DESFA at Komotini.   This achievement is further strengthened by today's commencement of #FSRU Alexandroupolis, developed by GASTRADE S.A. The terminal represents a new gate for secure and diversified #energy for Southeast Europe, enhancing the synergy between regional gas infrastructures.   Today is not just a significant moment for #ICGB, as IGB commences its third year of commercial operation, but also a step forward for the entire Vertical Gas Corridor initiative. Together, we leap forward in our mission to enhance energy security and #diversification across Southeast and Central Europe.   As we forge ahead, we are building a more secure, interconnected, and sustainable energy future.   #energysecurity #diversification #LNG #LNGterminal #FSRU #naturalgas #verticalgascorridor #energynews #oilandgas

ICGB has signed an interconnection agreement with DESFA at the IP Komotini, Greece. “This is a key step in ensuring the #IGB pipeline facilitates the transportation of natural gas volumes coming after the commercial launch of the #LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis. The two infrastructures are in great synergy, and we expect that the commissioning of the #FSRU could significantly increase market interest in existing and planned capacity”, said ICGB’s Executive Officers Teodora Georgieva and George Satlas. The connection has already been successfully tested with natural #gas quantities to ensure safe exploitation following Oct 1st, when the terminal is expected to be launched. In the monthly capacity auction for October #ICGB has offered available capacity of 48,044,459 kwh/day at the IP. The IGB #pipeline is already connected with the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) AG and with the natural gas transmission system of Bulgartransgaz. The new interconnection agreement will allow interested parties with booked capacities from the FSRU to transport gas via the IGB pipeline, establishing a new route for natural gas deliveries to Southeast and Central Europe. #energynews #oilandgas #energyindustry #energyindependence #diversification #energyconnectivity #naturalgas #gaspipeline #igbpipeline