The launch of the American gas terminal that Kurt refused Vucin's is part of it. Here's what the project contains.

Attending a ceremony in Alexandroupolis were Greece's prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Bulgaria's prime minister, Kiril Petkov, Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vuciq, Northern Macedonia Prime Minister Dimitar Kovačevski, representatives of the operating company Gastrade, ministers and deputies, as well as European Council President Charles Michel.

“Brenda the next 20 months, Greece will be able to import much more gas with increased liquid capacity. Moscow's setback makes this regional co-operation not only essential, but urgent. Greece has provided enough electricity and is now ready to assist neighbouring countries with their need”, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said during the ceremony.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov has said they can face Russian pressure together.

“We can face Russian attack and pressure together. We're independent countries. Russia's pressure will fail to achieve its goal, and today's event is evidence of this. This is an energy project that will change Europe's energy map. Together we can become a motor for Europe, this project is evidence of our power and unity. ”

Meanwhile, Serbia's president, Aleksandar Vuciq, has thanked the EU for funding this project.

“Connecting to natural gas is very important. I want to thank the EU because most of these projects have European financing, such as the new interconnection with Northern Macedonia. Despite difficulties and energy challenges, I am confident that we can overcome them through a joint effort among the nations of the region and find solutions”, Vuciq said.

Northern Macedonia Prime Minister Dimitar Kovachevski said that through these projects we will get more gas sources from both the US and the Middle East, which means increased security and lower costs.

The “Preparations for linking North Macedonia to the other gas infrastructure in the region will provide natural gas to its citizens and the national economy. The depreciation of lignite and its replacement with natural gas is our strategic goal, while differentiating supply resources is crucial and the Southern Corridor contributes to our independence from Russian gas. Through these projects we will get more gas resources, both from the US and the Middle East, which means increased security and lower cost”, he said.

A way for the Balkans to get access to new gas sources

Alexandro F The SRU is a floating LNG terminal that will provide 5.5 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas annually when it ends up in markets in Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia and North Macedonia.

The new infrastructure is linked to other interconcision projects, such as the Greek-Bulgarian Gas Interconction (IGB) that will function from September 2022, but also important gas ties between Bulgaria, Northern Macedonia and Serbia. Through these latest and new projects, these countries will be able to reduce their dependence on Russian natural gas by diversating their routes and supply resources.

Russian gas giant Gazprom recently cut off gas deliveries to Bulgaria, while EU member states discussed the issue of payments in rubles yesterday during an extraordinary meeting of energy ministers, without reaching a common position yet. Since more Russian gas payments from other European states and companies are expected in May, further supply cuts or even disruptions are quite possible.

At the same time, the EU has prepared its new plan in order to reduce Russian gas imports this year and fill European gas deposits by November. Even without any interruption, this is a difficult goal to achieve, so the importance of new import projects, such as the Alexandropolis gas (LNG), is obvious.

Three More Gas terminals, Planned Interconction in Greece

In addition to the project in Alexandroupolis, another investment in the importation of gas is planned by the Greek refinery Motor Oil, in Corinth, called “Dioryga LNG”. The final investment decision is expected at the end of this year, and the annual capacity is projected at 2.5 bcm.

At the same time, Elpedison has his own plan called Thessalonic F The SRU, which is expected to become operational in 2025 and will also use a floating platform. He has announced that he has received a permit from the regulator for Her second FSRU, to be installed in Thrace on the open sea.

When it comes to gas pipelines, Greek operator DESFA and NER U.S. Northern Macedonia is planning a new interconnection with a capacity of 1.5 bcm annually and an option to increase it to 3 bcm. This investment is expected to reach 110m euros and will further increase the possibility of northern Macedonia taking gas from new international sources. /PERISCOP/

Vucinki in Greece: Construction of the American gas terminal Kurt rejected