New natural gas project underway in Alexandroupoli
Greek energy company Gastrade has taken the first concrete step toward establishing a new Independent Natural Gas System (INGS/ΑΣΦΑ) in the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace region. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) process has officially begun and will continue until May 8, 2025.
The project is designed to complement the existing Alexandroupoli FSRU (Floating Storage Regasification Unit), which is currently under construction. The new terminal will be located offshore in the Thracian Sea, within the Evros regional unit.
Meeting Growing Energy Demands
The new gas system aims to meet the rising natural gas demands of Greece and Southeastern Europe. According to preliminary estimates, the facility in Western Thrace will supply approximately 3 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually. The gas will be delivered to consumers via either the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) or the Greek National Natural Gas Transmission System (ESFA).
Project Components
1. Floating LNG Terminal (FSRU)
- Equipped with 4 large storage tanks
- Includes systems for regasifying LNG
- Infrastructure for berthing and unloading LNG vessels
- Full safety systems and operational support units
2. Subsea and Onshore Pipelines
- 15 km of subsea pipeline and 5 km of onshore pipeline to be installed
- The pipeline will make landfall 4 kilometers east of Alexandroupoli
3. Network Integration
- The system will connect to the TAP pipeline at the Antheia area
- It is also planned to be linked with the ESFA national network
Location and Capacity
The LNG terminal will be located:
- 8 kilometers from the coast of Miri
- 9 kilometers from the center of Alexandroupoli
The LNG storage capacity is projected to range between 170,000 and 185,000 cubic meters.
The project represents a strategic energy investment for Greece and is expected to enhance regional energy security while supporting the transition toward more flexible and diversified gas supply options.
