site.btaNatural Gas Interconnection Agreement Signed with Greece

Natural Gas Interconnection Agreement Signed with Greece

Sofia, June 24 (BTA) - The natural gas transmission system operators of Bulgaria and Greece signed an interconnection agreement on Friday. Bulgartransgaz and DESFA agreed on the provision of virtual reverse transmission of natural gas from Greece to Bulgaria via the cross-border interconnection point at Koulata/Sidirokastro, Bulgartransgaz reported. The agreement was concluded for an initial trial period of three months from July 1 to October 1, 2016.

The signing ceremony was attended by the management of Bulgartransgaz and DESFA, Bulgaria's Energy and Water Regulatory Commission, the Bulgarian Energy Holding, Greece's Regulatory Authority for Energy, and officials from the European Commission and the Council of Ministers in Sofia.

The agreement fulfills the requirements of European Commission Regulation 2015/703 of April 30, 2015 establishing a network code on interoperability and data exchange rules. The Regulation requires neighbouring gas transmission system operators to conclude interconnection agreements setting harmonized rules and procedures for orders, corrective orders, distribution of quantities, and exchange of data.

The provision of virtual reverse transmission of natural gas via the interconnection point at Koulata/Sidirokastro is in keeping with the principles of Europe's Energy Union, Bulgartransgaz said. This is the first major step towards diversifying the Bulgarian natural gas market. It is also an essential prerequisite for building a Balkan Natural Gas Hub in Bulgaria.