Greece's DESFA Ready to Reverse Gas Flow to Bulgaria
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Greece's gas transmission network operator DESFA has guaranteed its readiness to reverse gas flow through the reverse-flow gas grid interconnection Kulata/Sidirokastro.
As a result, Bulgaria will be able to receive gas supplies from Greece, in the case of a gas crisis.
The gas company specifies in a statement that it has concluded the first stage of the upgrade of the existing gas grid interconnection, installing valves which allow the reverse flow of natural gas, according to reports of investor.bg.
Remote control of the Kulata/Sidirokastro station has also been introduced.
The investment amounts to EUR 3.3 M and was fully covered by DESFA.
The Greek gas company argues that the upgrade contributes to the development of the regional gas markets in Southeastern Europe.
DESFA expects gas traders in Bulgaria and Greece to express interest in the new capacity of the gas grid interconnection.
The finalization of this stage of the upgrade of the gas grid interconnection comes against the backdrop of the threats of Russian Gazprom to cut gas shipments to Ukraine on June 3.
Gas deliveries to Ukraine will be suspended if the country fails to pay in advance for June deliveries or if the talks between the EU, Russia and Ukraine collapse.
The trilateral talks are to determine the liabilities of Ukraine and the price of natural gas.
There are fears that Russia may suspend gas deliveries to the whole of Europe in a repeat of the 2009 gas crisis.
Reversing the gas flow from Greece to Bulgaria has already been tested.
Bulgaria can receive up to 3 million cubic meters of gas a day through this gas grid interconnection.
According to data of Bulgarian gas transmission system operator Bulgartransgaz, no gas quantities have been taken out of the Chiren underground gas storage since March and the depot has only received new supplies.
At the beginning of the week, the Chiren gas storage facility contained 308 million cubic meters of gas.
According to calculations of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, Bulgaria can last at least 45 days in the case of Russia suspending gas shipments.
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