Chiren UGS capacity filled over 90%

Chiren underground gas storage facility is now over 90% full of its technical storage capacity. Bulgartransgaz EAD Executive Director Vladimir Malinov said that for the first time in the history of the storage facility operation such a level of fill rate has been achieved at such an early stage. The natural gas volumes injected will contribute significantly to ensuring security of supply in the coming autumn-winter season, and will be of strategic importance for the development of the natural gas market in the region.

It shall be noted that according to the European Regulation 2017/1938 concerning measures to safeguard the security of gas supply, in order to ensure the energy security of the European Union countries, an obligation was introduced to fill storage facilities to 90% of their volume no later than 1 November this year.

The availability of sufficient gas storage, withdrawal and injection capacity is key both for ensuring security of supply and for the successful entry of alternative sources into the market, including LNG, and for the development of the regional market.

The Chiren UGS expansion project will increase the active gas volume up to 1 bcm and the daily injection and withdrawal rates up to 8-10 mcm.

"It is important to note that the implementation of the construction works under the Chiren UGS expansion project ensures smooth and interruptible injection, withdrawal and storage of natural gas under the current technical parameters," Malinov added.