The Vertical Gas Corridor is a key energy project that will guarantee long-term energy security and independence of both supplies and transmission for the countries of Central and Southeastern Europe. This was emphasized by Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov during the official inspection of the progress of the infrastructure construction. The event was held in the area of the village of Mikrevo, Strumyani municipality, in the presence of the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Péter Szijjártó, the Minister of Environment and Energy of Greece Stavros Papastavrou, as well as representatives of partner countries – Romania, Slovakia, Ukraine and Moldova.
Prime Minister Zhelyazkov stressed that the project ensures not only sustainable supplies and energy diversification, but also stability and competitiveness for decades to come.
“Countries that are partners and allies, today together we are enabling the construction of infrastructure that will guarantee energy security and independence - both in terms of supply and transmission. Cheap and secure energy is not a matter of political debate, but of a better life for our citizens and better opportunities for business,“ said the Prime Minister.
Before the ceremony, Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov, together with the Minister of Energy Zhecho Stankov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary Péter Szijjártó and the Minister of Environment and Energy of Greece Stavros Papastavrou, reviewed the progress of the project from the air.
During the inspection, basic data on the progress were presented: the corridor route is 48 km long, of which 37 km have already been cleared, 20 km of pipes have been laid, 15 km – welded, and 3 km – laid and buried.
The project is expected to be completed by the middle of next year, and over 450 people are currently working on the ground.
The project envisages increasing the transmission capacity from Greece to Bulgaria by 50% in the first stage - up to 3.6 billion cubic meters per year, as well as the possibility of reverse flow. With the second phase, the capacity to Romania is expected to double - up to 10 billion cubic meters per year.
The Bulgarian part of the corridor includes three main sections: Kulata-Kresna, Piperevo-Pernik and Rupcha-Vetrino. Through them, the country is taking a decisive step towards a more secure, more connected and energy-independent system.
Before the ceremony, the guests watched a presentation by Prof. Dr. Lyudmil Vagalinski on the latest findings from the excavations of the ancient city of Heraclea Sintica, located in the area.