Unicorn Systems has successfully delivered the Damas MMS:G system for ICGB, the independent transmission system operator managing the Greece-Bulgaria interconnector (IGB pipeline). The deployment of this platform marks a significant milestone in the digitalisation and automation of ICGB’s commercial and operational processes, enhancing its ability to manage cross-border gas flows with greater efficiency, reliability, and transparency.
As a key operator of strategically important gas infrastructure in the region, ICGB continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies that support its mission to ensure secure and diversified natural gas deliveries through the IGB pipeline. The interconnector is linked to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and the DESFA network in Greece, as well as the Bulgartransgaz (BTG) system in Bulgaria. Currently, the pipeline operates with an annual capacity of 3 billion cubic metres, with expansion plans to increase this to 5 billion cubic metres in the near future.
This Damas MMS:G implementation highlights ICGB’s commitment to the highest operational standards, regulatory compliance, and market integration in alignment with European energy policy objectives.
Damas MMS:G as the Digital Backbone of ICGB
The Damas MMS:G system serves as the central platform for managing all commercial gas transmission services, including:
- Offering transmission capacities at interconnection points via the PRISMA and RBP auction platforms.
- Managing capacity bookings and customer assignments.
- Overseeing the complete nomination and matching process with adjacent transmission system operators.
- Performing daily balancing, calculating imbalances, and generating regulatory and market reports.
- Issuing monthly customer invoices through a dedicated invoicing module.
The platform is also fully integrated with the Balkan Gas Hub, providing seamless gas trading functionalities for market participants.
“Digitalisation is not only a tool for efficiency but also a foundation for long-term resilience, security, and trust in cross-border energy flows and the reliable operation of our infrastructure.”
- George Satlas and Teodora Georgieva, ICGB Executive Officers
“The collaboration with ICGB marks an important milestone for us, confirming that our Damas MMS:G platform is among the leading solutions for gas market management in Europe. Thanks to its modular architecture and high configurability, we can flexibly address the unique needs of local markets and deliver innovations that enhance efficiency, transparency, and reliability in gas transportation in Europe.”
- Jan Konrád, Chief Commercial Officer at Unicorn Systems
Damas MMS:G (a Market Management System for Gas) is a comprehensive commercial dispatch system designed and developed to meet the specific needs of gas transmission system operators (TSOs) and gas market operators.
It’s fully compliant with European legislation and follows the latest developments and trends in the gas market. It provides complex support for all commercial processes of a gas TSO, such as managing market participants, gas grid elements, its capacity, CMP mechanisms, nominations and matching, balancing, settlement, invoicing, and reporting — all in line with the valid European Network Codes and common gas industry standards.
The product is developed using the Unicorn Universe Digital-twin Construction Kit, which is based on the Unicorn Mobile-First IoT-Ready AI-Boosted Cloud Architecture.
ICGB
The IGB (Greece-Bulgaria Gas Interconnector) pipeline is operated by the joint venture company ICGB AD, registered in Bulgaria in 2011 with shareholders BEH EAD (50%) and IGI Poseidon (50%). The co-shareholder IGI Poseidon is a company registered in Greece, with shareholders the Greek company DEPA International Projects (50%) and the Italian energy group Edison S.p.A (50%).
Per its charter, ICGB AD is the owner of the IGB gas pipeline, financing its implementation, distributing its transmission capacity, and receiving revenues from the transmission of natural gas.
The IGB gas pipeline connects to the Greek national gas transmission system (DESFA S.A.) and the Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline (TAP AG) in the Komotini area (Greece), and to the Bulgarian gas transmission system (Bulgartransgaz EAD) in the Stara Zagora area. The total length of the gas pipeline is 182 km, with a pipe diameter of 32” and a design capacity of up to 3 billion m3/year heading from Greece to Bulgaria. Depending on the market interest for larger capacity and the possibilities of the neighbouring gas transmission systems, IGB’s capacity is designed with the option for an increase of up to 5 billion m3/year.
For more information, visit www.icgb.eu.
Unicorn Systems
Unicorn is a renowned European company providing the most complex information systems and solutions in the area of information technology. We focus on creating a high added value and competitive advantage for our customers. We have been active on the market since 1990, and ever since, we’ve created a great number of complex and top-class solutions now used amongst the most significant companies from various industries. At the same time, we develop Unicorn Universe - Digital Twin Construction Kit. This product is used by Plus4U Internet Service to offer a large portfolio of services based on robust software solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises and end users.
In the energy and utilities domain, we focus on the implementation of extensive information systems for market management and for the related field of energy trade both at the national and international level. Another of our priorities are geoinformatics and solutions for the corporate asset management. We deploy both our own software products as well as our partners’ proven platforms.