PROJECT OF COMMON INTEREST (PCI) 14.3: SmartSwitch project – Smartening of existing Greek and Bulgarian Gas Transmission System for the integration of hydrogen and renewable gases in the network
PCI 14.3 SmartSwitch project is included in the Second list of Projects of Common Interest (PCI) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMI) of the European Union under Regulation (EU) 2022/869 under priority thematic area "Smart Gas Grids"
PROJECT PROMOTER: BULGARTRANSGAZ EAD
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
SmartSwitch is a joint project between Bulgartransgaz EAD and the Greek gas transmission operator DESFA. The project focuses on smart upgrade of the Bulgarian and the Greek gas transmission systems connected at entry-exit point Kulata/Sidirakastro. The aim of the project is to enable transportation of renewable gases, including mixtures with hydrogen up to 10% (vol.).
On Bulgarian territory, the activities under project PCI 14.3 are intended to cover the gas transmission infrastructure owned by the operator Bulgartransgaz EAD which is a single interconnected gas transmission system for natural gas transmission. The purpose of the project is to upgrade the existing gas transmission infrastructure with the necessary digital systems and solutions, to establish intelligent systems that monitor, control and manage the transmission of mixtures with renewable gases, including hydrogen up to 10% (vol.).
The joint efforts of both transmission system operators aim to create, at a cross-border level, viable, sustainable interconnected systems capable of monitoring, measuring and managing the integration of low-carbon gases, including green hydrogen, into the gas networks, thus supporting the transition towards a sustainable energy future.
The main benefits of the project are fully aligned with the EU initiatives and strategic objectives for large-scale deployment of hydrogen and can be outlined as follows:
- Access to sustainable, environmentally friendly energy carrier (H₂) for all market participants;
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions;
- Achieving gradual decarbonisation of energy and economy and providing conditions for increase of industry competitiveness.
STATUS OF THE PROJECT: Planning.
EXPECTED COMMISSIONING DATE: 2029
PROJECT MAP:
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| Fig.1 PCI 14.3 on Bulgarian territory |
Fig.2 PCI 14.3 on Bulgarian and Greek territory |
PUBLICITY MATERIALS ABOUT THE PROJECT
Pursuant to the Transparency and Public Participation Guidelines (Annex VI to Regulation (EU) No 2022/869), Bulgartransgaz EAD published:
- Information leaflet - forthcoming
- General non-technical summary - forthcoming
- Project flyer - forthcoming
INFORMATION CONCERNING THE PUBLIC AND PLANNING OF PUBLIC DISCUSSIONS
Information on holding discussions and consultations with the public concerned will be published in accordance with the applicable regulations related to the particular stage of project implementation.
CONTACT AND FEEDBACK FORM:
Any comments, questions and recommendations regarding PCI 14.3 can be sent:
- via a feedback form;
- to the Company's official e-mail: info@bulgartransgaz.bg
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
- MANUAL OF PROCEDURES:
MANUAL of procedures for the permit granting process for Union list’s projects of common interest and projects of mutual interest in the Republic of Bulgaria is published on the basis of Article 9 of Regulation (EU) 2022/869 by the Ministry of Energy as the competent national authority.
- EC INFORMATION PLATFORM:
More information on the PCIs and PMIs is available on the official website of the European Commission (EC).
- INTERACTIVE PCI/PMI MAP - TRANSPARENCY PLATFORM:
The Transparency platform is a public information system that provides detailed information on the PCIs and PMSs, including their geographic data, technical description, implementation plan and the benefits they bring to Member States and local communities, as well as the received EU financial support. This information is available to every EU citizen in line with TEN-E Regulation (Article 23).