Azerbaijani gas key to Europe’s energy future ICGB chief says

Teodora Georgieva, Interconnector Greece Bulgaria (ICGB) Executive Officer, has underscored the growing significance of Azerbaijani gas in diversifying Europe's energy supplies.
 
Her remarks emphasize the enduring importance of this gas source for the Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector (IGB), Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Georgieva pointed out that the IGB directly connects with the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), integrating Bulgaria into the Southern Gas Corridor and securing reliable natural gas supplies from various sources for both Bulgaria and the broader region. In the early stages of the IGB’s development, Azerbaijani gas played a pivotal role as its primary source.

Looking ahead, Georgieva expressed confidence in Azerbaijan’s substantial untapped gas potential, suggesting that the IGB infrastructure will be crucial for transporting these future volumes. She noted that with the expansion of TAP’s capacity and Azerbaijan's commitment to increasing natural gas exports to Europe, there are promising opportunities to further enhance the IGB’s role in the energy market.

Georgieva also highlighted the strong and trustworthy partnership between the ICGB consortium and Azerbaijan, describing it as a key and highly reliable supplier of gas to Europe. The long-term relationship between the two entities has been built on mutual trust and cooperation.

Additionally, the Executive Officer emphasized the strategic importance of the IGB in the Vertical Gas Corridor, particularly due to its direct connection to the Southern Gas Corridor (SCC). The pipeline’s strategic location allows it to serve as a crucial link between Bulgaria and the SCC, fostering supply diversification and synergy with the Trans-Balkan pipeline. This connectivity provides significant opportunities for transporting gas to third markets.

Georgieva reiterated that advancing the IGB interconnector remains a top priority for implementing the Vertical Gas Corridor, highlighting its vital role in Europe’s energy diversification and security.