The Southern Gas Interconnection project is poised to become a pivotal infrastructure initiative for Bosnia and Herzegovina, marking a significant advancement in the country’s energy landscape. According to energy expert Edhem Bičakčić, this development is expected to redefine the nation’s gas sector and bolster overall energy security.
This new pipeline will connect Bosnia and Herzegovina to the European gas market via Croatia and the Krk LNG terminal, facilitating access to alternative supply routes. This connection is anticipated to enhance security of supply and improve system flexibility through the diversification of sources and delivery paths.
Bičakčić emphasized that many political hurdles have been addressed, with crucial technical parameters already established. The introduction of additional gas from Croatia is expected to create favorable conditions for connecting major industrial consumers, allowing for the utilization of gas in electricity and heat production. This positions Bosnia and Herzegovina as a key regional transit country for gas flowing towards Croatia, Hungary, Serbia, and Bulgaria.
Moreover, the project revives plans for a gas storage facility in the defunct Tetima mine near Tuzla, which has received approval from the Federal Government. This facility is set to significantly enhance the resilience and reliability of the gas system.
On the Croatian side, the project entails constructing a high-pressure pipeline extending 52 kilometers from Dugopolje to Zagvozd, followed by an additional 22 kilometers from Zagvozd to Imotski and the Bosnian border. This segment will be managed by Plinacro with an estimated investment of €170 million.
Within Bosnia and Herzegovina, the pipeline will span approximately 180 kilometers from an entry point near Posušje, branching towards Mostar and Travnik. The total funding required for this segment is around €250 million, with a planned annual transport capacity of 1.5 billion cubic meters.
This represents a substantial increase compared to the country’s current annual gas consumption of approximately 230 million cubic meters and existing system capacity of about 600 million cubic meters. The Southern Gas Interconnection signifies a major expansion of national gas infrastructure.
In addition to increasing transport volumes, this project will facilitate the gasification of southern Bosnia and Herzegovina, support emerging industrial demand, and be designed to accommodate not only natural gas but also hydrogen and biogas. This aligns with long-term decarbonization objectives.
Bičakčić noted that advancing the southern route could expedite efforts on a northern gas corridor through Bosanski Brod or Brčko. This would further solidify Bosnia and Herzegovina’s role as a regional transit hub while potentially linking Banja Luka to a modernized national gas system.
