Between its launch in October 2022 and the end of October 2025, the Greece–Bulgaria Gas Interconnector (IGB) has transported more than 39 million MWh of natural gas northward into Bulgaria, along with nearly 2 million MWh sent back into Greece through virtual reverse-flow operations. In just the first ten months of 2025, over 8.4 million MWh moved from Greece to Bulgaria, while reverse flows totaled slightly above 153,000 MWh. With these volumes, the interconnector has firmly established itself as Bulgaria’s primary gas supply route, covering more than half of the country’s annual consumption.
The pipeline plays a central role in the emerging Vertical Gas Corridor, a regional initiative designed to move gas from southern entry points toward Moldova and Ukraine. ICGB — the independent transmission operator of the interconnector — is actively coordinating with neighboring system operators to enable additional transport corridors, referred to as Routes 2 and 3, which would extend gas flows further to the northeast.
ICGB CEO Teodora Georgieva highlighted that the strong performance of the interconnector reflects the stability of its strategic partnerships. Of particular importance is the long-term cooperation with Azerbaijan, whose contracted gas volumes remain essential not only for Bulgaria’s energy security but also for that of surrounding countries.
At the same time, ICGB is progressing with its plan to expand the pipeline’s technical capacity from the current 3 bcm to 5 bcm per year. This increase is driven by rising regional demand and Europe’s broader objectives of enhancing supply flexibility and long-term energy resilience. Although the expansion project is still awaiting shareholder approval, ICGB has already prepared the procurement framework and finalized the design for the first new gas metering station. The company is also in close communication with international partners, including US institutions, whose potential financial engagement could accelerate the final investment decision.
