Comprehensive decision for project of common interest PCI 6.20.7 Bilciurești Underground Gas Storage

DEPOGAZ informs that, in September 2024, the Ministry of Energy, as competent authority for energy infrastructure projects of common interest, has issued the comprehensive Decision no. 1/04.09.2024 for the project of common interest PCI 6.20.7 Bilciurești Underground Gas Storage - "Daily withdrawal capacity increase- Bilciurești UGS" - Bilciurești UGS - Modernizing the infrastructure of the natural gas storage system.

According to Regulation (UE) no. 347/2013 – the comprehensive decision means the decision or set of decisions taken by a Member State authority or authorities not including courts or tribunals, that determines whether or not a project promoter is to be granted authorization to build the energy infrastructure to realize a project without prejudice to any decision taken in the context of an administrative appeal procedure.

Based on Regulation (UE) no. 347/2013 and national regulation in force, as promoter of PCI Project 6.20.7 - "Daily withdrawal capacity increase - Bilciurești UGS - Modernizing the infrastructure of the natural gas storage system", DEPOGAZ hence completes the authorization process necessary for the implementation of the Bilciurești project of common interest PCI 6.20.7, and obtains the right to actually start the works in phase II of the modernization of Bilciurești UGS, works to be completed by mid-2027.

The project includes the following:

• Collector Butimanu - Bilciurești with a diameter of 24” (DN 600 PN 150);
• Modernization of the gas storage groups at Bilciurești;
• Modernization of 39 existing wells;
• Modernization of the M3 Butimanu cooling system;
• Digitalization of the natural gas storage process at Bilciurești UGS.

The total estimated value of the project is approximately 156 million euro of which DEPOGAZ has accessed a non-refundable financing of approximately 38 million euro through the European Climate, Environment and Infrastructure Executive Agency – CINEA.