The Vertical Gas Corridor is an extremely important project not only for Bulgaria, but also for Central and Southeastern Europe. Our country wants to be the first country to start the actual expansion of its gas transmission system. The first step for this to happen is the delivery of the pipes for the project, which are already here. This was commented to journalists in Burgas by the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov, who visited the port "BMF Port Burgas", where the pipes were delivered a few days ago. The information is reported by BTA.
"There are 4,000 of them. They were transported from India, passing through the Red Sea", said Stankov. According to him, their transportation to our country has already begun, and it is expected that the ones needed for the first new gas pipeline will be delivered by Easter.
"Next month we have created an organization to have a construction permit, and in May to break ground. It is important to note that the part that we will start is from the border with Greece to the connection point in the existing gas pipeline "Kresna", where we have the opportunity to increase gas transfer by 50 percent - from 2.3 billion cubic meters per year to 3.6 billion cubic meters. This is only the first stage. "The moment we develop the second section, which is Rupcha - Vetrino, this will give us a chance to transfer to Romania from 5 billion cubic meters currently to 10 billion cubic meters," explained Zhecho Stankov.
He added that the project will contribute more revenue to the country and will also ensure that Bulgaria will not be left without natural gas. Stankov specified that the pipes delivered to Burgas will be transported to seven sites. The Energy Minister revealed that the most difficult section to build is the one between the Mikrevo and Ribnik bases. "The route there is a challenge, as we have a difference in elevation of about 40 degrees," the minister said and added that pipes will be laid in a section of 48 kilometers.
A new technology will be used in 3 kilometers of this section, the pipes will be laid through horizontal drilling. This, Stankov explained, means that no ground work will be carried out. In this way, we will avoid conflict with the existing infrastructure such as roads and railways, riverbeds, the Minister of Energy pointed out. He also said that the pipes for the new routes were manufactured in India and allow for operation for the next 60-70 years. With good management by "Bulgartransgaz" they will be able to be used for a much longer period, said Zhecho Stankov.
The Vertical Gas Corridor is a joint initiative of Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Hungary, Ukraine, Moldova and Slovakia. Its goal is to improve security and ensure diversification of sources and routes for gas transmission.