Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania Interconnector

The Azerbaijan–Georgia–Romania Interconnector (AGRI) is a proposed project to transport Azerbaijani natural gas to Romania and further to Central Europe. Natural gas would be transported by the pipeline from Sangachal Terminal in Azerbaijan to the Kulevi Terminal at the Black Sea coast of Georgia. In Kulevi, the liquefied natural gas export terminal (LNG plant) would be built. Liquefied natural gas will be transported by LNG tankers to the Constanţa terminal in Romania. After regasificaton natural gas will be delivered through the existing gas grid to Romania and other European countries.[1][2][3] Alternative to the transportation of liquefied natural gas is transportation of compressed natural gas.[1]

Capacity of the interconnector is expected to be 7 billion cubic metres (250 billion cubic feet) of natural gas per year, of which 2 billion cubic metres (71 billion cubic feet) will be consumed in Romania.[2] The project is expected to cost €4–6 billion.[4][5]

On 13 April 2010, the Minister of Industry and Energy of Azerbaijan Natig Aliyev, Minister of Economy, Commerce and Business Environment of Romania Adriean Videanu and Georgian Energy Minister Alexander Khetaguri signed a memorandum on implementation of the project and establishment of the project company headquartered in Bucharest.[1][2][6] The project is developed by AGRI LNG Co formed by Romgaz, State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic, Georgian Oil and Gas Corporation, and MVM.[7] This is possible that also Bulgaria can join the project.[7]

The project is seen as a competitor to the Nabucco pipeline, White Stream, South Stream, Trans Adriatic Pipeline, and Interconnector Turkey–Greece–Italy projects.

References

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