Djedović visited the works on the construction of the Serbia-Bulgaria Gas Interconnector

"The construction of the Serbia-Bulgaria Gas Interconnector is a strategically important project in the gas sector, but also in our energy sector in general, because it will provide an additional route of gas supply and improve the level of security in the supply of this energy source." The Ministry daily monitors the progress of the works, representatives of the Ministry often visit the site, and today I came in person to hold a meeting with the contractors, supervisors, investors and representatives of the institutions involved in the project and check the progress of the works," Djedović said after she had visited the gas pipeline construction site in the residential area of Trupale near Niš.

The Minister was informed by the contractors that, up to that point, 100 percent of the pipes needed for the construction of the gas pipeline had been delivered, 70 percent of the pipes had been laid down and 45 percent of the above-ground structures had been built, and that there was still a majority of the electrical installation works unfinished.

"I expect the contractors and all participants in the project to be as efficient as possible, because we are in the final stage of the works in order to fully finish the gas interconnector in the fall, which will connect us with new suppliers and sources of gas that come primarily from Azerbaijan." We talked with our friends from Azerbaijan about the amount of gas we can receive from this country for the needs of the upcoming heating season, which is between 300 and 500 million cubic meters, and possibly even more. The point that might soon become critical is the delivery of the electrical equipment that has been ordered and paid for, while it is very important for us that all the pipes are welded, connected and laid down in order to complete the linear part of the gas pipeline. To that end, we need a larger number of teams on the site, and we discussed that with the contractors today, in order to urge them to upgrade their capacities," the Minister emphasized.

She said that the works on the territory of Serbia are coordinated with the works on the territory of Bulgaria and that, via the gas pipeline that had already been built between Bulgaria and Greece, Serbia will be connected to the sources of gas coming to Greece, primarily from Azerbaijan and the Caspian region and LNG terminal.

"In the future, this route will be even more significant, due to the diversification of gas supply sources throughout Europe and the possibility to purchase gas from different suppliers." With this gas pipeline, Serbia gains greater energy security, and it will also play the role of a transit country for the region, as in the case of the Balkan Stream gas pipeline," said Djedović.