site.btaEC Projects of Common Interest Include First Hydrogen Project for Bulgaria

The first hydrogen project for Bulgaria is included in the First list of Projects of Common Interest (PCI) published by the European Commission on Tuesday. The list was announced during the Fourth PCI Energy Days in Brussels, Belgium. The Bulgarian gas transmission operator Bulgartransgaz participated for the second time with its own stand in the event organized by the European Commission, the operator said.

The Hydrogen Transmission Infrastructure in Bulgaria project proposed by Bulgartransgaz EAD is key to realizing the concept of transporting pure hydrogen. The planned infrastructure consists of a new pipeline with a length of about 250 km and two compressor stations in the area of Dupnitsa and Kulata. A hydrogen interconnection point with the network of the Hellenic Gas Transmission System Operator (DESFA) is envisaged in the area of Kulata/Sidirokastro. The new infrastructure will allow two-way transfer of both domestically produced hydrogen and hydrogen from Greece.

Hydrogen Transmission Infrastructure in Bulgaria is an important step in the development of the hydrogen network in the region and will make a significant contribution to the realization of the priority corridor for the transmission of green hydrogen from South-Eastern to Central Europe, stressed Bulgartransgaz EAD Executive Director Vladimir Malinov. "With today's decision by the Commission, the importance of the project is recognized and it is possible to apply for grant funding for research activities, and in the future to co-finance the construction itself. As a responsible gas transmission operator, we are already developing projects for the subsequent development of the hydrogen transmission infrastructure to neighboring countries, as well as for adapting the existing gas transmission system to work with hydrogen-gas mixtures," he added.

The inclusion of the Hydrogen Transmission Infrastructure in Bulgaria project in the list of projects of common interest to the EU community is an important step in the implementation of the EU's goals for decarbonization and ensuring affordable energy for all consumers.

AT ts stand at the event in Brussels, Bulgartransgaz EAD informed about the implementation of current projects of common interest. In fulfillment of the European goals of building an interconnected and unified pan-European gas market, the construction of the Bulgarian section of the Bulgaria-Serbia interconnector was completed this year. This is a key connectivity project that enables the supply of liquefied natural gas from the terminals in Greece to Bulgaria's western neighbor Serbia. The other strategic project of common interest for the region that is being implemented is the expansion of the Chiren underground gas storage facility. The growth of supplies to Bulgaria and the region from alternative sources, including liquefied natural gas, significantly increases the need for gas storage expansion. The two projects are implemented with partial grant funding from the EU under the Connecting Europe Facility.