The energy regulators of Bulgaria and Greece have certified the Gas Interconnector Greece–Bulgaria (IGB).

The commercial exploitation of the interconnector is set to begin after 1 July, 2022. IGB is of strategic importance and allows for the linking of the Greek and the Bulgarian gas transmission systems, diversifying gas supplies to Bulgaria and Southeastern Europe. The interconnector will enable Bulgaria to receive, in the second half of 2022, the full amount of the 1 billion cubic metres of natural gas negotiated with Azerbaijan. The pipeline’s transmission capacity is 3 billion cubic metres, and will allow delivery of liquefied gas from USA, Algeria, Qatar, Egypt, Nigeria, Israel and Cyprus.

The papers have to be approved by the European Commission, in accordance with European norms, before the certificates enter into force.