The European Commissioner for Energy and Housing, Dan Jørgensen, and Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy, Zhecho Stankov, inspected the progress on the construction of Lot 3 “Rupcha–Vetrino” of the Vertical Gas Corridor – a strategic project of key importance for the security and diversification of gas supplies in Central and Southeastern Europe. Ministers from the region, as well as representatives of diplomatic missions and energy companies, also attended the visit on site.

At present, 50 km of the construction strip along the route of Lot 3 Rupcha–Vetrino have been cleared, pipes have been distributed along 10 km of the route, and the first of a total of 20 trenchless crossings under roads and railway lines has been completed. Upcoming are several key engineering crossings — under three rivers, the Hemus motorway, and the Balkan Mountain range — which will be carried out using horizontal directional drilling, an innovative technology that ensures high precision and environmental protection.

Construction activities on Bulgarian territory along Lot 1 “Kulata–Kresna” are also making significant progress. The 48-km route has been fully cleared, pipes have been distributed along its entire length, welding works now cover more than 41 km, and trench excavations extend over 45 km. All 14 trenchless crossings under roads and railways have been successfully completed, as well as three of the five planned horizontal drillings.

On site, Bulgaria’s Minister of Energy briefed Commissioner Jørgensen and his counterparts from the countries participating in the project on the progress of the 60-kilometer section, which will double the gas transit capacity at the exit point between Bulgaria and Romania — from 5 to 10 billion cubic meters per year.

“In the energy sector, connectivity means security. What we are achieving here forms the foundation of the unified energy logic of the Vertical Gas Corridor — genuine independence and stability for the entire region,” stated Minister Stankov. He emphasized that the implementation of this multinational project reaffirms Bulgaria’s active role in the European and regional energy architecture.

“We must stand together and remain united. The solidarity among the countries of the region, embodied by the Vertical Gas Corridor, is crucial in addressing the challenges facing the energy sector across the Old Continent,” Commissioner Jørgensen highlighted during the inspection. He emphasize the project’s importance in supporting the kind of energy system Europe needs — secure and competitive.

“I am extremely proud of the rapid progress in the construction of the Vertical Gas Corridor and of the entire Glavbolgarstroy team on the ground — this is a project of strategic importance for the energy independence of Bulgaria and the region. The Bulgarian construction holding has already proven its role as a reliable partner in strengthening energy security, contributing through its projects to the development and interconnection of the region’s energy infrastructure.”, stated Emil Angelov, Chief Executive Officer of Glavbolgarstroy Holding.

During his official visit to Bulgaria, Commissioner Jørgensen also visited the “Nova Provadia” compressor station, located near the village of Vetrino. Minister Stankov presented the importance of the facility as a key element of the gas transmission infrastructure. “Nova Provadia” stands out as the most modern facility of its kind in the country, equipped with four state-of-the-art gas turbine compressor units. These are fitted with low-emission combustion chambers that fully comply with the strictest environmental standards, highlighting the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and modernization.

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