Azerbaijan Doubles Gas Supplies to Bulgaria, Strengthening Energy Ties

SEATTLE (Oil Monster): Azerbaijan has doubled its natural gas supplies to Bulgaria in 2024, reaching 2 billion cubic meters.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Bulgaria Huseyn Huseynov announced this during an interview with NOVA TV on Saturday.

Huseynov also emphasized Azerbaijan’s growing role as a reliable energy partner for the European Union.

Azerbaijan has been steadily increasing its gas exports to Europe. The Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) was originally designed to supply 10 billion cubic meters of gas annually to the European market. However, in response to Europe’s growing energy needs, Azerbaijan ramped up its exports, reaching 13 billion cubic meters by the end of 2024.

Bulgaria began importing gas from Azerbaijan in 2021, starting with 270 million cubic meters. A turning point came in 2022 with the inauguration of the Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector (IGB), which enabled direct deliveries of Azerbaijani gas via the Southern Gas Corridor. By the end of 2022, supplies had exceeded 500 million cubic meters and have continued to grow since.

The IGB pipeline has transformed Bulgaria’s energy market. Before its construction, Bulgaria relied heavily on Russian gas, importing around 3 billion cubic meters annually. By linking Bulgaria’s gas transmission network to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which transports Azerbaijani gas to Europe, the IGB has significantly reduced this dependence.

The SGC, a massive infrastructure project, spans seven countries and connects 11 investors with 12 gas buyers across Europe. The TAP pipeline, the final segment of the SGC, has been operational since December 31, 2020, delivering Azerbaijani gas to European markets.

The IGB’s current technical capacity is estimated at 3 billion cubic meters per year, with the potential to expand to 5 billion cubic meters after the construction of a compressor station in Greece. This expansion would also allow for reverse gas flow, further enhancing regional energy security.

For Bulgaria, the IGB is more than just a pipeline – it is a pathway to energy independence and diversification. By accessing alternative gas supplies from the Caspian region, Bulgaria is reducing its reliance on a single supplier, fostering competition, and potentially lowering energy costs for consumers.

The expanding gas trade between Azerbaijan and Bulgaria is also strengthening economic ties between the two nations. As Ambassador Huseynov highlighted, energy cooperation remains a cornerstone of their bilateral relationship, benefiting both countries through increased trade and strategic partnerships.

Courtesy: www.caspiannews.com