Gastrade plans second FSRU terminal in Alexandroupoli
Greek infrastructure company Gastrade is advancing plans to establish a second Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) off the coast of Alexandroupoli, in a project expected to cost around €500 million.
The proposed terminal, which will anchor along the Evros River coastline, is envisioned to exceed the capacity of the existing FSRU currently located in the region. The new facility would include both a floating terminal and an undersea pipeline situated within the EU’s protected Natura 2000 ecological network.
Hybrid Technology to Power the New Terminal
The second FSRU will utilize a hybrid regasification system, combining two technologies:
Closed-loop system: LNG will be heated using natural gas combustion.
Open-loop system: LNG will be heated using seawater, which will then be returned to the sea 7°C cooler than its original temperature.
Uncertainty Over Site Selection
The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report prepared for the project includes inconsistent data regarding the terminal's precise location, leading to concerns over technical clarity and regulatory compliance.
In addition, because the facility will store over 200 tons of LNG, it falls under the EU’s Seveso III Directive, classifying it as a high-risk industrial site, thus requiring special safety measures and regulatory oversight.
Regional Authorities Grant Conditional Approval
Despite raising technical reservations, the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Regional Environmental Committee has granted conditional approval for the project’s EIA. However, some regional council members voted against the decision.
Final Decision Hinges on Market Demand
The fate of the second FSRU, which would have a processing capacity of around 6 billion cubic meters of natural gas, will ultimately depend on the results of a market test. The final investment decision will be based on commercial demand and interest from potential users.
If approved, the construction, testing, and launch of the new facility could take approximately two years.
Meanwhile, the first FSRU, which has been out of service since January due to technical issues, is expected to gradually resume operations in August.
