Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal Begins Commercial Operation, Boosting Energy Security in Southeast Europe

The Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal began its commercial operation on Tuesday, marking a significant step in transforming the port city into a major energy gateway for Central and Southeast Europe.

Gastrade, the operating company, emphasised the project's critical role in enhancing energy security and diversifying energy supply routes for the region.

The Alexandroupolis LNG Terminal features a Floating Storage Regasification Unit (FSRU), which links to the National Natural Gas Transmission System through a combination of subsea and onshore pipelines. From there, it will provide natural gas to multiple countries, including Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia, Moldova, Ukraine, Hungary, and Slovakia. The floating unit, named "ALEXANDROUPOLIS," has a maximum regasification capacity of 5.5 billion cubic metres per year.

The Alexandroupolis terminal, the first of its kind in northern Greece, plays a crucial role in enhancing regional energy independence, especially in light of recent challenges related to the European energy crisis. It is part of the broader European strategy to reduce reliance on Russian gas by diversifying energy supply sources. This terminal allows the import of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from various global suppliers, contributing to a more resilient energy infrastructure across Europe.

The project has already attracted participation from 14 Greek and international companies, committing nearly all of its capacity until at least 2030. Gastrade also noted that this launch supports the expansion of the "Vertical Corridor" initiative—a pipeline network aimed at linking the natural gas markets of Central and Southeastern Europe—strengthening efforts to create a regional energy trading hub.

(Source: Amna)