site.bta Prime Minister, Ministers Open Bulgaria-Romania Gas Interconnector

Prime Minister, Ministers Open Bulgaria-Romania Gas Interconnector

Rousse, on the Danube, November 11 (BTA) - Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, Bulgaria's and Romania's energy ministers Temenouzhka Petkova and Victor Grigorescu, respectively, Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev and a representative of the European Commission opened the Bulgaria-Romania gas interconnector on Friday.

Borissov thanked all who have contributed to the construction of this complicated interconnector. Minister Petkova described the opening day as a landmark day for the Bulgarian energy sector, because this is Bulgaria's first gas interconnector with a neighbouring country, adding that this country is headed in the right direction.

Energy and Water Regulatory Commission Chair Ivan Ivanov noted that this is an important stage of the Bulgarian energy sector's reform, which started two years ago. This interconnector is a clear sign of the unwavering political will to achieve Bulgaria's energy independence and increase energy security.

The Energy Ministry's press centre reported that the Bulgaria-Romania gas interconnector is 25 km long, 15.4 km of which are on Bulgarian territory, 7.5 in Romania and 2.1 km cross the Danube.

The interconnector's opening meets one of the European Energy Union's requirements, which is to build the missing connectivity between the countries' gas transmission networks. The Southeast European natural gas market's integration is increased. The Bulgaria-Romania gas link will contribute to the diversification of natural gas supply and guarantee a constant and secure supply for household and industrial consumers in both countries.