Bulgartransgaz EAD launched Monday the exploitation of the rehabilitated Strandzha compressor station and two new gas turbine units, Radio FOCUS – Burgas announced. The official ceremony took place at the Strandzha compressor station.

The event was attended by Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, Minister of Energy Temenuzhka Petkova, representatives of local businesses, and others."The government is very seriously discussing the possibility for participation in the construction of an LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis,” said Minister Petkova, speaking at the inauguration.

In her words, the European Commission (EC) said it was a project of common interest. According to Petkova, the authorities are interested in participation in the LNG terminal, which will also provide an opportunity for diversification of natural gas sources. "We will be able to deliver liquefied natural gas,” Petkova noted.

"Russia is one of the sources for natural gas supplies but we are also looking for alternatives,” the minister commented. In her words, the interconnector with Greece will also provide Bulgaria with an opportunity for real diversification. "Through this interconnector, Bulgaria will have access to gas from the Caspian region,” the government member specified.

She added the interconnector with Romania was to be a fact by the autumn. "This will be the first interconnector for Bulgaria,” Minister Temenuzhka Petkova stated. In her words, as regards local extraction, Bulgaria can rely on natural gas from Romania.