EditGreece-Bulgaria hydrogen pipeline – a leading project in energy transition
The two countries are advancing Europe’s decarbonisation goals and enhancing energy security
As Europe accelerates its transition to a low-carbon economy, Greece and Bulgaria are taking significant steps to establish themselves as key players in the emerging hydrogen economy and sustainable energy production. The Greek gas transmission system operator (DESFA) has launched a tender for a hydrogen pipeline project connecting Greece to Bulgaria, forming part of a broader European hydrogen corridor.
These efforts align with the European Union’s ambitious climate goals while addressing regional challenges like rising electricity prices and energy connectivity.
A cornerstone of Europe’s hydrogen corridor
The Greek gas transmission system operator (DESFA) has launched a €1.5 million (excluding VAT) tender for a nine-month feasibility study to develop a hydrogen pipeline stretching 540–570 kilometers from Agia Theodori in Corinthia, Greece, to the Greek-Bulgarian border at Kulata-Sidirokastro. With an estimated cost of €1 billion ($1.12 billion), this pipeline will transport green hydrogen, harnessing Greece’s renewable energy potential to meet growing demand in Central Europe, particularly southern Germany, by 2030.
Project specifications and strategic significance
Technical Details: The pipeline will have a 91 cm diameter in Greece and 100 cm in Bulgaria, with a daily capacity of 80 GWh. It includes two compressor stations in Greece (30 MW each) and two in Bulgaria (48 MW total) near Petrich and Dupnitsa.
Proposed jointly by DESFA and Bulgaria’s Bulgartransgaz, the project has passed the European Commission’s initial technical assessment, qualifying it for the Projects of Common Interest (PCI) list. This designation highlights its role in establishing a southeastern European hydrogen corridor, positioning Greece alongside Spain and Italy as key Mediterranean hydrogen hubs.
Market Engagement: A nonbinding market test is underway, inviting hydrogen producers, consumers, traders, and suppliers to submit requirements by November 30, 2024. A virtual workshop held on 25 September 2024 shared technical details with stakeholders. Registration and forms are available on DESFA and Bulgartransgaz websites.
The pipeline strengthens Greece’s position as an energy transit hub, especially after the war in Ukraine reduced Russian gas supplies to Europe.
Addressing Southeastern Europe’s energy challenges
Southeastern Europe faces rising electricity prices, straining regional economies. At the European Council meeting on 17 October 2024, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania jointly called for constructing missing interconnectors to link Southeastern Europe with Central and Western Europe, which includes improving electricity flow management, and enhancing cooperation among national regulatory bodies to monitor the EU energy market.
These measures complement hydrogen and renewable energy initiatives, aiming to improve energy affordability and security.
Offshore wind: A new frontier for Southeastern Europe
Unlike Western Europe’s robust North Sea offshore wind sector, Southeastern Europe has yet to develop offshore wind projects. However, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania signed a declaration of intent in January 2024 at the Central and South Eastern Europe Energy Connectivity (CESEC) meeting in Athens to explore such projects. This initiative aims to decarbonise their economies and supply green energy to neighboring countries.
Greece has taken a lead by finalising its national offshore wind program in October 2024, identifying zones in the Aegean Sea for floating wind turbines due to the region’s deep waters. The country targets 2 GW of offshore wind capacity by 2030, as outlined in its revised National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP). With an expected capacity factor of up to 50% in the Aegean—compared to 25–30% for onshore systems—these projects promise significant clean energy potential.
Enhancing regional connectivity
New electricity interconnections are critical for trading renewable energy across the Balkans. Key projects include:
- Green Aegean Interconnection (GAI): Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO) is exploring a route through the Adriatic to Slovenia, facilitating renewable energy exports to Central Europe. Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Alexandra Sdoukou discussed this with Slovenian and Croatian counterparts in 2024.
- Great Sea Interconnector: This project links Greece, Cyprus, and Israel, enhancing regional energy integration.
- GREGY Link: A planned connection to Egypt, further diversifying Greece’s energy network.
- Maritsa–Nea Santa Line: Inaugurated on 30 June 2024, this Greece-Bulgaria interconnector boosts capacity to 1,400 MW northward and 1,700 MW southward. Sdoukou and Bulgaria’s Deputy Minister Iva Petrova highlighted its role in enhancing regional grid reliability during the CESEC meeting.
IPTO’s ten-year development plan includes upgrades to all existing land-based interconnections with neighboring countries, reinforcing Greece’s role as a renewable energy hub.
Regional renewable hydrogen cluster
At the 2024 CESEC meeting, Greece, Bulgaria, and Romania proposed a Regional Renewable Hydrogen Cluster to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors like transportation and industry. Integrated into CESEC’s next action plan, this initiative underscores the region’s commitment to green hydrogen as a cornerstone of sustainable development.
The Greece-Bulgaria hydrogen pipeline, alongside offshore wind and interconnection projects, positions Southeastern Europe as a leader in the global energy transition. Experts believe that by leveraging renewable resources and fostering regional collaboration, Greece and Bulgaria are not only advancing Europe’s decarbonisation goals but also enhancing energy security and economic resilience. These initiatives mark a transformative step toward a sustainable, interconnected, and low-carbon future for the region.
Picture: DESFA press kit
Updated: May 22, 2025 - 04:36
