Minister Ivan Shishkov: The whole country will help for the rapid completion of the Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector

The whole country is helping the builder of the Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector to complete the project. We will speed up the order of work, but we will also be more demanding. This was said by the Minister of Regional Development and Public Works architect Ivan Shishkov at a meeting with the participants in the construction of the interconnector.

Minister Shishkov further informed that it has been agreed that by the end of tomorrow the developer will submit a schedule for completion of the site. Delays have been identified and there are undoubtedly unfinished construction works, but the builder should nevertheless be motivated and not demotivated, the Regional Minister stressed. Therefore, the contractors have been asked to be extremely prompt but without compromising quality. The state will also observe the schedule and monitor the work on it. The Minister pledged full support and assistance from the State.

What remains to be done will be divided into two phases, the first of which will include what the interconnector cannot do without. The second will be things that are not directly related to its security. Thus, two to three months will be gained, the regional minister said, adding that in this way the object can be put into operation earlier.

There are ideas to facilitate the procedure. However, it must be in accordance with the law and without gaps in construction and regulatory requirements for the gas connection to be put into operation, architect Shishkov was adamant.

ICGB Executive Director Teodora Georgieva noted the constructive nature of the meeting and the agreed phasing of the project. We count on the support of the state for this project of utmost importance. It will provide 3 billion cubic meters of gas, which is equivalent to Bulgaria’s consumption.

The meeting was also attended by Deputy Minister of Energy Elenko Bozhkov and representatives of the project team.