Greek Environment and Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas commented on electricity interconnections with North Macedonia, Italy and Bulgaria, which Greece is planning to double, as well as on the completed market test for the natural gas interconnector with the country, at the Western Balkans meeting on energy security and green transition in the countries of the region, held in Brussels on Monday, MIA’s Athens correspondent reports.
According to the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy, as regard natural gas, Skrekas pointed out that the market testing for the gas pipeline with North Macedonia has been performed, which is estimated to be completed by mid-2025 and it is a system that will be 100 percent ready for the transport of hydrogen.
Skrekas also highlighted the importance of launching the IGB pipeline, as well as the construction of new liquid natural gas storage units in Alexandroupoli and Corinth. Skrekas noted that Greece is doubling electricity interconnections with North Macedonia, Italy and Bulgaria, and by the end of the decade it will triple interconnection capacity with Albania.
He added that Greece is strengthening energy cooperation with the Western Balkans. “I’m convinced that strengthened regional cooperation is the key to dealing with crises, such as the one that Europe is experiencing today. Greece is strengthening cooperation with neighboring countries, implementing strategic infrastructures that will offer alternative sources of energy supply and maximizing the penetration of renewable energy sources. I am optimistic that the Western Balkans will join the common European vision for a green transition and we will work with unity, together, for a sustainable future of stability and resilience for our citizens,” said Skrekas.
