Bulgartransgaz EAD manages infrastructure that forms the backbone of the Bulgarian gas transmission system and plays an increasingly important role in the energy security of Southeast and Central Europe. However, strategic infrastructure should not be considered in isolation. Corridors that facilitate energy connectivity also create value for digital connectivity. "Together with Vodafone and Novatel, we identified an opportunity to utilize Bulgartransgaz existing infrastructure for the construction of a completely new, physically independent and highly reliable telecommunications route across Bulgaria." This was stated by Kiril Ravnachki, Executive Director of Bulgartransgaz EAD, during his participation in the second annual Invest in Bulgaria forum held in London. The event was organized by the British-Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Bulgarian Embassy in London and the UK Embassy in Sofia. According to him, the Kardesa project is a natural extension of Bulgartransgaz role." The same principles guiding our operations as a gas transmission operator - namely connectivity, diversification, security and sustainability, also underpin the development of the digital infrastructure of the future," he said.
During the discussion, Ravnachki emphasized that the company would participate in the project with an existing asset by providing access to an available pipeline running through Bulgaria along the route: Sofia – Botevgrad – Pleven – Polski Senovets – Targovishte – Provadiya – Lozenets – Stara Zagora – Plovdiv – Ihtiman – Sofia. "Kardesa enabled us to utilize the existing infrastructure more efficiently while simultaneously supporting the construction of a completely new, physically independent and highly reliable telecommunications route. This means smart use of infrastructure: a single corridor serving two strategic networks - energy and digital connectivity," he further highlighted.
Addressing the forum participants, Kiril Ravnachki also presented the progress made on the Vertical Gas Corridor, a key entry point for secure natural gas supplies from the USA and other alternative sources. The section intended to increase natural gas transmission capacity from Greece to Bulgaria has been completed, and the section from Bulgaria to Romania is scheduled for completion within the current year. "Just as the Vertical Corridor connects energy markets from south to north, Kardesa connects digital markets from east to west, focusing on diversification, security and resilience," he emphasized. According to him, this will also pave the way for investments in data centres, artificial intelligence and high-tech services.
"Bulgaria can not only transport data between Europe and Asia but also create conditions for its storage, processing and optimal utilization in order to generate economic value. Together with Vodafone and Novatel, Bulgartransgaz is working to turn the country’s geographical advantage into tangible digital infrastructure.
The Kardesa project will connect Bulgaria and Georgia, featuring a branch to Türkiye and a planned future connection to Ukraine. It is part of the "Digital Silk Road" and will establish a new, high-capacity, physically independent data transmission route connecting Europe, the Caspian region and Asia. The data landing station in Aheloy and the two independent routes to Sofia will boost international data traffic and strengthen Bulgaria’s role as a regional digital hub.
