BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 28. The role of Azerbaijani gas in ensuring diversified energy supplies to Europe has significantly expanded in recent years, and this trend is expected to continue, Executive Officer and Board Member of the ICGB consortium Teodora Georgieva told Bulgarian 3eNews, TurkicWorld reports.
Georgieva emphasized that the Gas Interconnector Greece-Bulgaria (IGB) pipeline, which directly connects to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)—the European segment of the Southern Gas Corridor—integrates Bulgaria into the SGC. This connection provides Bulgaria and the broader region with access to reliable and diversified natural gas supplies.
"Azerbaijani gas has been the backbone of the IGB project. Throughout the preparation, implementation, and current operation of the interconnector, we have established a strong partnership with our Azerbaijani colleagues. They are a key and highly reliable partner for gas supplies to Europe. Over time, we have built long-term relations and mutual trust," she stated.
The executive officer highlighted the significant potential of Azerbaijani gas, particularly with future gas fields.
"I believe that much of this gas will be transported through the IGB. We are also closely monitoring how our colleagues from TAP regularly conduct market tests to gauge interest in additional capacity. Given the ongoing capacity expansion at TAP (by 1.2 bcm) and Azerbaijan's commitment to increase natural gas exports to Europe in the coming years, we see opportunities to strengthen the role of IGB as well," she added.
Georgieva also spoke about the IGB's critical role in the Vertical Gas Corridor project, noting that as the interconnector's importance grows, its capacity will increase from the current three billion cubic meters of gas per year to five billion cubic meters per year.
Additionally, she mentioned Bulgaria's involvement in the project to create a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal at the Greek port of Alexandroupolis. Although the terminal's operation was delayed in 2024 due to technical reasons, its future is highly anticipated.
The EU has been receiving gas from Azerbaijan since December 2020, while Bulgaria began receiving Azerbaijani gas in January 2021 and through the IGB since 2022.
