SOFIA: The gas pipeline operators of Slovakia and Bulgaria signed an memorandum of understanding on Thursday to work together on the proposed Eastring pipeline project.
Under the MoU, Eustream and Bulgartransgaz will cooperate in testing market interest for the project and in working to secure EU backing and financing.
Eastring would link Slovakia with the Balkans and existing pipelines in Ukraine, Slovakia, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.
Initial capacity is seen at about 15-20 billion cubic metres per year and it would be able to carry gas from Russia to the Balkans or from the West to the Balkans.
The project could help Bulgaria in its bid to become a regional gas hub and reduce its almost complete dependence on Russian gas.
"It is an excellent opportunity for the creation of gas hub in Bulgaria.
The corridor will undoubtedly enhance the energy security in central and southeastern Europe," Slovak Economy Minister Peter Ziga said at the signing of the MoU.
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