Bulgaria hopes to complete the Balkan Stream gas pipeline by year-end as planned, despite the delay caused by the coronavirus pandemic, Kallanish Energy reports.
The 474-km pipeline is an extension to the TurkStream gas pipeline, from Russia to Turkey. With a planned capacity of 20 billion cubic meters per year, the section will deliver gas to Bulgaria, Serbia and Hungary.
“Despite 2-3 months’ delay, we hope to meet the timeline and have it ready by the end of the year,” Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borissov said on Monday after an aero inspection with Serbia’s President Alexander Vucic.
Borissov said the project was a priority for the Bulgarian government, as it will increase security of supply, transparency and competition, which ultimately should benefit consumers.
The pipeline will offer the Balkan states an opportunity for diversification, including LNG imported via Greece, the Prime Minister said.
“This pipeline can transport both Russian, and also liquefied natural gas and Azeri gas. This is a gas diversification not only for Bulgaria, but for Serbia and the region,” said Borissov
