PROJECT OF COMMON INTEREST 6.8.2
REHABILITATION, MODERNIZATION AND EXPANSION OF THE EXISTING GAS TRANSMISSION SYSTEM
(PCI 6.8.2)
PCI 6.8.2 represents a complex, multicomponent, staged project for modernization, rehabilitation and expansion of the existing gas transmission infrastructure on the territory of Bulgaria, owned and operated by the combined gas operator Bulgartransgaz EAD.
The project has been implemented in 3 time phases and includes the following activities:
Modernization and rehabilitation of compressor stations;
- Modernization and rehabilitation of compressor stations;
- Repair and replacement of gas pipeline sections following inspections;
- Expansion and modernization of the existing gas transmission network;
- Inspections to determine and characterize the gas pipelines' condition;
- Implementation of systems for optimization of the management process of the network technical condition.
Current PCI 6.8.2 implementation status (PHASE 2):
CONSTRUCTION ACTIVITIES
Construction activities underway:
- Stage 2 of the modernisation of 3 compressor stations (CS Lozenets, CS Ihtiman, CS Petrich) by the integration of 4 low emission gas turbine compressor units (GTCUs);
- Rehabilitation and replacement of sections of the northern semiring of the gas transmission network with a total length of 81 km.
GENERAL NON-TECHNICAL SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
Implementing the GUIDELINES FOR TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Annex VI of Regulation (EU) 347/2013), Bulgartransgaz EAD published a General Non-Technical Summary of PCI 6.8.2 Rehabilitation, Modernization and Expansion of the Existing Gas Transmission System
General Non-Technical Summary, second edition - 2018
General Non-Technical Summary, third edition - 2021 (the publication of an update is pending)
INFORMATION LEAFLET OF THE PROJECT
Implementing the GUIDELINES FOR TRANSPARENCY AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (Annex VI of Regulation (EU) 347/2013), Bulgartransgaz EAD published an Information Leaflet of PCI 6.8.2 Rehabilitation, Modernization and Expansion of the Existing Gas Transmission System
Information Leaflet (the publication of an update is pending)
Project Leaflet, 2021 edition
EXTERNAL PROJECT FINANCING RECEIVED
PCI 6.8.2 Rehabilitation, Modernization and Expansion of the Existing Gas Transmission System – Phase 2 has been implemented with Bulgartransgaz EAD own funds and the financial support of the EU through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Programme.
IIn April 2016, Bulgartransgaz EAD signed a Grant Agreement No INEA/CEF/ENER/M2015/1119568 for the implementation of Action No.6.8.2-0055-BG-S-M-15. In line with the Agreement the amount of the grant is 50% of the Action value – up to EUR 850 000 (eight hundred and fifty thousand) and it comprises the following three main activities:
- Preparatory activities regarding the rehabilitation (reinforcement) of the northern semi-ring of the gas transmission system.
- Preparatory activities regarding the modernization of 3 compressor stations by integrating low emission gas turbine compressor units.
- In-line inspections of two gas pipeline sections.
At the end of 2018 the implementation of the Action was completed and it has been reported to the financing institution, the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) in 2019.
In May 2017, Bulgartransgaz EAD signed a Grant Agreement No INEA/CEF/ENER/M2016/1290626 for the implementation of Action No.6.8.2-0026-BG-S-M-16. In line with the Agreement the amount of the grant is 50% of the Action value – up to EUR 182 000 (one hundred and eighty-two thousand) and it comprises the following activity:
- Preparatory activities regarding the rehabilitation (reinforcement) of the northern semi-ring of the gas transmission system – a section with a length of approximately 23km
At the end of 2018 the implementation of the Action was completed and it has been reported to the financing institution, the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency (INEA) in 2019.
In April 2019, Bulgartransgaz EAD signed a Grant Agreement No INEA/CEF/ENER/M2018/1749550 for the implementation of Action No.6.8.2-0034-BG-W-M-18. In line with the Agreement the amount of the grant is 40% of the Action value – up to EUR 27 184 518,40 and it comprises the following two main activities:
- Rehabilitation (replacement) of two sections of the northern semiring of the gas transmission network with an approximate total length of 81 km;
- Construction supervision.
The rehabilitation of the sections with a total length of about 81 km is carried out consecutively in sub-sections:
- On 31.12.2018, the replacement of a sub-section of about 13 km in length was awarded. The Contractor is DZZD Zapadgasenergoinvest. The construction works were completed in two stages – replacement of the pipeline network and construction of new valve groups. The rehabilitated section was commissioned in January 2021.
- On 25.10.2019, the replacement of a sub-section of about 45 km in length, including one piging facility (PF Beglezh) was awarded. The Contractor is: DZZD Canpipe International. The construction works were completed in November 2020 for a section of about 25 кm. Construction works for a section with a length of about 19 кm were launched over the same period and PF Beglezh.
- On 05.06.2020, the replacement of a sub-section of about 23 km in length was awarded. The Contractor is. DZZD OS Valchi dol – LKV Preselka. Preparatory works prior to construction works are now underway.
Expected date of commissioning of all sub-sections – June 2022.
More Information on the CEF and the projects it has financed
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Bulgartransgaz EAD published a Public Participation Concept for Project of Common Interest (PCI) 6.8.2 Rehabilitation, Modernization and Expansion of the Existing Gas Transmission System.
QUESTIONS AND CONTACT
Comments, questions and recommendations about the PCIs can be sent to the company’s official e-mail address: info@bulgartransgaz.bg by filling in a Standard Form for comments and questions regarding PCIs carried out by Bulgartransgaz EAD.
EC INFORMATION PLATFORM
More information on the PCIs is available on the official webpage of the European Commission.
MANUAL OF PROCEDURES
Manual of procedures for the permit granting process applicable to projects of common interest in the Republic of Bulgaria is published in line with Article 9 of Regulation 347/2013, by the Ministry of Energy as the competent national authority.
The sole responsibility of this publication lies with the author. The European Union is not responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained therein.