Budapest: The independent transmission system operator (TSO) responsible for the Greece-Bulgaria interconnector has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on a joint approach and action plan to harmonize gas quality requirements at interconnection points (IPs) within the Central and South-Eastern European Energy Connectivity (CESEC) region. This development was confirmed by the IGCB, as reported by Trend.

According to Trend News Agency, the recent CESEC meeting held in Budapest saw TSOs from nine countries, including Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, North Macedonia, Croatia, Moldova, Ukraine, Slovenia, and Hungary, committing to collaborative efforts aimed at bolstering the region’s energy security. These entities will conduct an assessment by April 30, 2025, to evaluate the impact of harmonizing gas quality requirements on existing interconnection agreements. They are also tasked with developing an action plan by the same date, outlining the necessary steps and timeline for establishing these harmoniz
ed standards.

The TSOs, in partnership with the European Commission, are prioritizing the standardization of gas quality parameters at IPs to reduce and eventually eliminate reliance on Russian natural gas. This strategy involves integrating new supply sources like the Southern Gas Corridor and LNG imports through Greece. These diverse sources have different gas quality parameters, necessitating standardization to ensure the interoperability of gas infrastructure and facilitate seamless cross-border gas trade and transport. ICGB is already collaborating with all TSOs in the region on various initiatives, including the Vertical Gas Corridor.

The Greece-Bulgaria interconnector, a key component of the Vertical Gas Corridor, enhances energy connectivity and security in the region by providing access to natural gas from new, diversified sources. Operating at 3 billion cubic meters per year (bcm/y) and with a potential capacity expansion to 5 bcm/y, the interconnector currently meets approximately 70% of Bulgaria
‘s internal natural gas consumption. It also serves as a reliable route for diversified deliveries to critical markets such as Moldova and Ukraine.