site.btaEnergy Minister: Construction of First Looping of Vertical Gas Corridor to Begin in May

Visiting BMF Port Burgas on Saturday, Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov told reporters the Vertical Gas Corridor is a crucial project not just for Bulgaria but for Central and Southeastern Europe. Bulgaria aims to be the first country to initiate the actual expansion of its gas transmission system. The first step is the delivery of pipes for the project, he said. The pipes were delivered at BMF Port Burgas a few days ago.

The Vertical Gas Corridor is a joint initiative involving Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Ukraine, Moldova and Slovakia. Its goal is to enhance energy security and diversify gas supply sources and transmission routes.

"A total of 4,000 pipes were transported from India through the Red Sea," Stankov said. The transportation of the pipes to the country's interior is underway. All the necessary pipes for the first new gas pipeline are expected to be delivered by April 20.

"We have arranged to secure construction permits in April, and we are planning to hold the groundbreaking ceremony in May. Construction will start with the looping from Kulata on the border with Greece to the connection point with the existing Kresna gas pipeline, which will allow for a 50% increase in gas transfer capacity, from 2.3 billion cubic metres to 3.6 billion cu m per year. This is just the first phase. Once we complete the second looping, Rupcha-Vetrino in Northeastern Blgaria, we will be able to increase gas transfer capacity to Romania from the current 5 billion cu m to 10 billion cu m," Stankov said.

The Energy Minister stressed that the project will generate additional revenue while ensuring a secure natural gas supply to Bulgaria. The pipes delivered  to Burgas are intended for seven construction sites. Stankov also said the most challenging section to build is between the Mikrevo and Ribnik bases, where the elevation difference is about 40 degrees. Pipes will be laid over a 48-kilometre stretch there.

In a 3-km part of this section, a new technology - horizontal drilling - will be employed, allowing for the placement of pipes without surface excavation. This will help avoid conflicts with existing infrastructure, including roads, railways and riverbeds, Stankov said.

The pipes for the new loopings were manufactured in India and are designed for a lifespan of 60-70 years. With proper maintenance by Bulgartransgaz, their operational life could be extended even further, he added.