Dobrev: We hope to find considerable deposits of natural gas in the Black Sea

I hope that we will find considerable deposits of natural gas deep in the Black Sea, stated Delian Dobrev, Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism, yesterday on BNR (Bulgarian National Radio).

"Bulgaria should not quarrel with Romania over the gas deposits. We have our own perimeter, while they have their own," stated Dobrev. He reminded that some 40 bn cu m of gas were discovered in the Romanian block, while we have just started seeking gas in the Black Sea. "Our perimeter, which we have yet to explore, is greater than the Romanian one," stated Minister Dobrev. It is actually 15 km away from our border. The evidence for solid deposits in our block is the great interest expressed by at least five international companies, which have purchased the application documents and are preparing to participate in the bidding contest, including OMV, Shell, Total, Melrose and others.

June 17 was set as the final deadline for the interested companies to submit their offers for exploration and extraction of conventional gas, reminded the Minister. "Within a month, we will manage to evaluate the project proposals. By mid-summer, we must select a company to explore the gas opportunities in the Black Sea," summarised Dobrev. Next year, the first gas drilling will take place, predicted the Minister. The exploration period usually lasts several years, while the first gas yield is expected as early as 2-3 years.

"There will be a gas connection between Bulgaria and Turkey. As early as this week, we will set up a project company, in which the Bulgarian part will be represented by Bulgartransgaz, while on the Turkish side, perhaps there will be a private company," said also the Minister of Economy, Energy and Tourism. It will carry out research and draw a roadmap. According to him, construction itself could happen by the end of 2014, but the question is when the gas connection can become a viable alternative. "In 2018, gas production in the Caspian region will be launched. It will amount to some 17 bn cu m, out of which 6 bn cu m have already been earmarked for Turkey," explained Dobrev. A total of 10 bn cu m of gas will be transmitted to the EU under the Nabucco project."

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