Gas Interconnector Greece - Bulgaria (IGB) is a proposed gas pipeline between the Greek and Bulgarian natural gas pipeline networks.
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Route and purpose
The capacity of the pipeline is to be 3 to 5 billion m3/year with reverse flow capability. The connecting points are to be Komotini, Greece and Stara Zagora, Bulgaria. The length of the pipeline will be about 180 km (150 km in Bulgaria, 30 km in Greece). The proposed pipe diameter is 32" (813mm). Such a pipeline would probably cost between 200 and 250 million Euro to construct.
The project is in line with the joint EU strategy for market-based security of supply, which calls for bidirectional interconnection of national grids and specifically for creation of a Southern Gas Corridor. Whereas the capacity of the IGB project does not fully satisfy the capacity expected in the Southern Gas Corridor, it will achieve real diversification of sources of supply of natural gas to Bulgaria.
Project development
On July 14, 2009 a Memorandum of understanding was signed between Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD, Edison (Italy) and DEPA, which defines the principles for development and realization of the project. In January 2011 a joint company "ICGB" AD was registered by the same partners. The joint company will construct, own and operate the pipeline.
The pipeline was expected to be put in operation in December 2014.