DESFA inaugurates Gümülcine gas compression station
The ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Environment and Energy Nikos Tsafos, Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Christodoulos Topsidis, Secretary General for Industry Eleftherios Kritikós, as well as leading representatives of the Greek and regional energy sectors.
Located within the Gümülcine (Komotini) Industrial Area, the new Compression Station adds a key piece of infrastructure to the dynamically evolving energy network of Southeastern Europe. It plays a crucial role in strengthening energy security and diversifying natural gas supply sources in the region.
With a total capacity of 24.6 MW, achieved through three operating compression units (plus one standby unit), the facility is the first fully electric gas compression station in Greece—achieving zero operational emissions while incorporating state-of-the-art technologies to ensure system flexibility and hydraulic adequacy.
The station is also designed to handle natural gas blends containing hydrogen.
The Gümülcine (Komotini) Compression Station further reinforces the Vertical Corridor, as—together with other projects such as the Ambelia Compression Station—it enables Greece’s northward gas export capacity to reach up to 8.5 billion cubic meters per year.
Developed during the energy crisis in response to increased demand for northbound gas flows, the project integrates seamlessly with other strategic infrastructures in the region, including the Dedeağaç (Alexandroupolis) FSRU and the national gas transmission system. It enhances cross-border connectivity, export capacity to neighboring countries, and the overall resilience and flexibility of Greece’s energy infrastructure.
Driven by DESFA’s investment activity—expected to exceed €0.5 billion—Eastern Macedonia and Thrace are emerging as a true energy crossroads, contributing to the energy security and diversification of both Greece and Southeastern Europe.
The Gümülciene (Komotini) Compression Station represents a €134 million investment, adding to a series of recently completed DESFA projects totaling approximately €43 million in Gümülcine (Komotini) and Dedeağaç (Alexandroupolis).
In addition, other ongoing developments, such as the Karperi–Komotini pipeline, will bring DESFA’s total regional investment to an additional €334 million.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, DESFA CEO Maria Rita Galli stated:
“Today’s inauguration marks a defining moment for DESFA and for the energy landscape of Southeastern Europe. By boosting Greece’s export capacity and strengthening the Vertical Gas Corridor, we are enhancing energy security and diversifying energy sources for millions of citizens.
Designed and built in record time during the energy crisis—thanks to the swift and effective cooperation with the Ministry of Environment and Energy and the Regulatory Authority for Waste, Energy and Water (RAAEY)—the Komotini Compression Station stands as tangible proof of DESFA’s ability to respond promptly, reliably, and efficiently to the evolving needs of the system.
With zero carbon footprint in operation and readiness to run on hydrogen, the station looks firmly to the future—ensuring that our infrastructure supports Europe’s transition toward cleaner energy.
We remain committed to building the energy system of tomorrow, delivering concrete benefits today for Greek consumers and the wider region. We continue to keep energy flowing—wherever and whenever it is needed.”
Source:ERT
