“Energy security depends not only on the availability of diverse natural gas sources but also on the ability to deliver gas to consumers via alternative routes.” This was emphasized by Kiril Ravnachki, Executive Director of Bulgartransgaz EAD, during a presentation of gas infrastructure and regional cooperation for energy security at 2026 Global Innovation Summit.
“From infrastructure perspective, energy security is of critical importance. Consider a liquefied natural gas (LNG) tanker arriving in the Mediterranean after sailing thousands of kilometers. However, if there is no infrastructure in place to enable that gas reach the market, the delivery itself is not enough,” Kiril Ravnachki stated. According to him, access to alternative supply sources and routes provides market participants with greater opportunities to select the most advantageous and competitive solutions. This paves the way for better market liquidity, strengthens competition and yields more favourable outcomes for both, end consumers and economy as a whole.
"Recent upheavals taught us that even when we have a diversified portfolio of natural gas supplies, we must also have diversified routes. If an interruption occurs in the morning, our business must be able to continue operations that very same day by choosing an alternative route," stated the Executive Director of Bulgartransgaz. He emphasized that well-developed and interconnected infrastructure is an essential prerequisite for market flexibility and for the ability of regional economies to respond to a changing environment.
As a particular example, Ravnachki indicated the Vertical Gas Corridor - an initiative that brings together the efforts of gas transmission system operators in the region to provide further opportunities for natural gas transmission.
Ravnachki highlighted on infrastructure development in Bulgaria, including the looping project for Kulata–Kresna section, that has increased the capacity for natural gas transmission from Greece to Bulgaria by 40%. According to him, work is ongoing on capacity expansion towards Romania, with the increase set to reach nearly 90%.
The Executive Director of Bulgartransgaz noted that the resilience of the energy system can be achieved through cooperation and coordinated actions among the countries and gas transmission system operators. The Vertical Gas Corridor serves as an example of such an approach, with 11 gas transmission system operators from 9 countries participating in the initiative. "Sustainability through cooperation is of critical importance. The Vertical Gas Corridor is a clear example of this - the project involves 11 operators from 9 countries. Only by working together, we can find solutions that are viable and effective for all participants," Ravnachki stated.
Kiril Ravnachki also highlighted the need for an integrated approach to the various gas infrastructure components - liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, gas pipelines and underground gas storage facilities.
Each of these infrastructure assets plays a role in ensuring reliable supplies, system flexibility and the ability to respond to changes in market environment. Their interconnection enables more efficient use of the available resources and creates conditions for improved economic development across the entire region.
