TAP begins route assessment survey in Albania

TIRANA, July 09– The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project, which is developed by Switzerland-based EGL and Norwegian energy major StatoilHydro, has started a route assessment survey in Albania to determine an optimal routing for the future pipeline.
The TAP project will analyze five potential routes, which have been identified based on satellite images, maps and other research already undertaken. The goal of the TAP project team is to investigate and assess these alternatives in detail and identify any obstacles or challenging areas.
The TAP route survey will include detailed technical, environmental, social and cultural heritage impact assessments. The main priority for the pipeline routing is to avoid crossing the core of the National Hotova Park, a protected natural reserve area in the region of Permet. TAP is working closely with the Albanian Ministry of the Environment on the route selection process to ensure that it complies with the national laws and regional regulations.
The route assessment survey will be carried out by a group of 40 specialists, including international and Albanian consultants on the ground. It is expected to take three weeks.
According to the Energy Regulation Agency (ERE), the TAP project, which includes the development of natural gas deposits in Albania, will contribute in the diversification and security of gas supply to Europe and is considered to be the most efficient of the four gas supply corridor projects in Southeast Europe (SEE). Construction of another distribution gas pipeline is also planned in order to supply Kosovo, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and countries further north in the region.
So far, according to ERE, Albania, Kosova, and Montenegro are the only European countries without access to any of international gas networks.
Albania produces an average of 12 million cubic meters of gas from its own resources. The production level is enough to satisfy the demand for the petrol industry in the country.
According to studies from foreign companies and institutions such as World Bank, Albanian market regarding gas use will increase significantly in the next years. By 2015, natural gas is expected to supply the needs of gas fueled thermo plants, industry in general, services, tourism, and partially the residential sector.