site.btaChiren Underground Gas Storage Facility Over 90% Full

The Chiren underground gas storage facility is now over 90% full, Bulgartransgaz said Friday. Executive Director Vladimir Malinov is quoted as saying that it is the first time ever Chiren has been that full at this time of the year.

"The natural gas volumes injected will contribute significantly to ensuring security of supply in the coming autumn-winter season, and will be of strategic importance for the development of the natural gas market in the region," Malinov said.

EU member states are required to have their gas storage facilities 90% full by November 1 of the current year so as to guarantee security of supplies.

Bulgartransgaz will invest around EUR 285 million in the expansion of Chiren, which is the only natural gas storage facility in Bulgaria. Storage capacity is expected to grow from 550 million to 1 billion cubic meters. The capacity to withdraw and supply natural gas to the network will be increased to 8-10 million cubic meters. Earlier in August 2023, the European Commission approved a Bulgarian measure in the amount of EUR 16 million to support the expansion of the Chiren gas storage facility.