Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedović Handanović said today, while visiting the site of Serbia-Bulgaria gas interconnector, that all works on this strategically important project for the Republic of Serbia have been completed, which will enable a more secure and more stable supply of gas from various sources, particularly from Azerbaijan.
Djedović Handanović: All works on the Serbia-Bulgaria Gas Interconnector have been completed, enabling gas supply from Azerbaijan
3 December 2023
"The Serbia-Bulgaria gas pipeline is the first major energy project that was completed on time, within 12 months. Just one year ago, we initiated the works and after 12 months of dedicated effort, we have built 109 kilometers of new gas pipeline, four metering and regulating stations in Pirot, Dimitrovgrad, Bela Palanka and Nis, as well as one large custody transfer station in Trupale. I expect the gas pipeline to undergo trial operation by the end of the week," stated the Minister.
Djedović Handanović reminded that the interconnection agreement with Bulgartransgas was signed, and a commercial agreement for the supply of up to 400 million cubic meters of gas from Azerbaijan by the end of next year has been concluded. "I am pleased that the President of Serbia has announced the official commissioning of the new gas pipeline with bilateral visits from President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Bulgaria Rumen Radev. This is significant for strengthening relations with these countries, particularly with Azerbaijan, from which we will be sourcing up to 400 million cubic meters of gas annually until 2026, while after 2027, those volumes have the potential event to triple," said the Minister.
The Minister pointed out the significance of the Serbia-Bulgaria gas pipeline, highlighting its role in the gasification of the southeastern part of Serbia and the green transition process. "This gas pipeline holds importance for both citizens and the economy in this part of Serbia, particularly in terms of the grid connections in Pirot, Dimitrovgrad and Bela Palanka and for the development of the secondary gas network in Niš. This infrastructure will facilitate connecting the economy and numerous households to gas. In the process of green transition, securing a reliable gas supply is crucial, allowing us to transition from coal and fuel oil to gas, a cleaner source of energy," said Djedović Handanović.
The Minister further added that this project enhances Serbia's position on the gas map of Europe, because the Serbia-Bulgaria gas pipeline with a capacity of 1.8 billion cubic meters enables the transit of gas from Azerbaijan and the Caspian region to the countries of Central Europe.
