CEF Energy projects boost regional security of supply in Central and South-Eastern Europe

The European Union is supporting the modernisation and expansion of strategic gas storage infrastructure in Romania and Bulgaria through three projects funded under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) for Energy. The projects - Bilciureşti Underground Gas Storage, Depomureș gas storage and Chiren underground gas storage - are helping to reinforce security of supply, improve system resilience and strengthen regional cooperation in Central and South-Eastern Europe.

Bilciurești - Romania

The Bilciurești project in Romania focuses on the modernisation and upgrading of the country's largest underground gas storage facility, increasing its operational flexibility, technical performance and contribution to security of supply in the region. The project will increase the facility's daily gas delivery capacity from 14 to 20 million m³/day, a 43% increase, while also raising its storage capacity by 108 million m³ per cycle, or 9%. By enhancing both storage capacity and injection and withdrawal capabilities, the project will contribute to a more resilient gas system and support the integration of the facility into wider regional energy markets

A site visit to the Bilciurești storage facility was carried out last week by CINEA, providing an opportunity to review progress on the ground and discuss the implementation of the project with the beneficiary. The visit highlighted the importance of the works for improving the reliability and efficiency of the infrastructure, as well as their contribution to broader EU energy security objectives.

Depomures - Romania

In Romania, the Depomureș gas storage project aims to expand and modernise the existing underground gas storage facility, an important asset for the country's national gas system and the wider regional gas market. As part of Phase 1, the project will refurbish and expand the existing facility, increasing its working capacity by 33%, or 100 million m³ (1 TWh), to reach 400 million m³, while increasing daily injection and withdrawal rates by 75%, or 1.5 million m³/day (15.8 GWh), to reach 3.5 million m³/day. These improvements will enhance the facility's deliverability, flexibility and operational efficiency, enabling Romania to respond more effectively to seasonal changes in demand and potential supply disruptions. Once completed, the project is expected to strengthen security of supply, support the integration of the regional gas market and facilitate the efficient use of existing gas infrastructure.

Chiren - Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, the Chiren underground gas storage project is also benefiting from EU support. Located in a strategically important part of the region, Chiren aims to enhance cross-border security of supply and strengthen the resilience of the wider gas network. Upon completion, the project will increase the facility's active gas volume to up to 1 bcm, while average daily withdrawal and injection rates will reach up to 8-10 million m³/day. These improvements will enhance the facility's storage performance and increase its capacity to respond to fluctuations in demand or potential supply disruptions. In doing so, the project will support greater flexibility, solidarity and cooperation among Member States, in line with the objectives of the Energy Union. Chiren is therefore expected to play an important role not only in strengthening Bulgaria's energy security, but also in improving preparedness and resilience across the wider region.

Taken together, these three projects show how CEF Energy funding is helping Member States modernise critical energy infrastructure while addressing shared challenges linked to security of supply and system flexibility. Gas storage remains an important part of Europe's energy architecture, particularly in ensuring preparedness during periods of high demand, supply shortage and market uncertainty. By supporting Bilciurești, Depomureș and Chiren, the European Union is contributing to a more connected, secure and resilient energy system.

These are the last three gas projects from the CEF Energy portfolio currently under implementation. Once completed, CEF Energy will have contributed to strengthening Europe's gas networks by supporting the development of gas interconnections, increasing underground gas storage capacity, and facilitating access to new gas sources and routes through new LNG terminals.

Looking ahead, CEF Energy is increasingly focusing on more decarbonised energy sources and networks, supporting investments in areas such as electrification, hydrogen, CO₂ transmission networks and smart grids.