Works involving the rehabilitation of Bulgartransgaz EAD existing gas transmission system continue in accordance with all measures linked with the emergency state in the country. Today, the Prime Minister Mr. Boyko Borissov, accompanied by the Executive Director of Bulgartransgaz EAD, Vladimir Malinov, inspected the works along the route of the northern semi-ring of the gas transmission network, the total length of which amounts to 81 km.
The project is realised with grant aid totalling to EUR 27 million under the Connecting Europe Facility and Bulgartransgaz EAD own funds. The project is included in the list of projects of common interest of the European Commission.
The rehabilitation of the section running between the pigging facility PF Beglezh and valve group Kalugerovo with a length of 13 кm includes the procurement of equipment, construction and commissioning of the site – at a total value of BGN 22 million, VAT excluded. Part of the section has already been successfully completed at the end of last year.
Works now continue in the sections between pigging facility Beglezh and valve group Dermantsi, between valve group Dermantsi and valve group Batultsi as well as pigging facility Beglezh, the total value of which amounts to beyond BGN 67 million, VAT excluded. The deadline for implementing the activities is 459 calendar days. About 45 km of the main gas pipeline are to be replaced and a new valve group Dermantsi and a new pigging facility Beglezh are to be built. Currently 3200 pipes and 45 elbows have been supplied on site, a route with a length of 15 кm has been cleared, 600 pipes have been situated along the route and 110 weldings have been executed.
The project for modernisation and rehabilitation of the existing gas transmission infrastructure is an important part of the concept of establishing the Balkan gas distribution hub. The implementation of the planned activities will guarantee the secure and reliable transport of natural gas and will improve the efficacy and reliability of the system, ensuring the required capacities and pressures. Technical possibilities will be ensured for the transport of additional quantities of natural gas through the territory of the country, which is a key condition for the strengthening of the role of Bulgaria as an important distribution centre of natural gas in the region.