TIRANA, Nov. 18 – ASG Power SA, a Swiss based special purpose company engaged to complete the “ADRIATIC GAS & POWER” project, an investment amounting to approx. 2,5 billion Euro, considers last week’s decision of Albania’s government on the interconnection grid with Italy – valid for 20 years – paves the way to the full implementation of the ASG Power project of in Albania.
The ASG Power Project is based on the use of liquefied natural gas (LNG ) and foresees the constructions of:
– a re-gasification station of 10 bln m3 of LNG, and the related marine infrastructure,
a power plant of three phases with installed power of 1,200 MW,
– an undersea DC interconnection line of 500 kV (1000 MW) between Albania and Italy,
two high-voltage AC lines (400 KV) connecting the power plant in Seman with the Substations of Elbasan and Kashar (Tirana).
– 220 KV line connecting the Power Plant of Seman with the Substation of Fier,
an undersea interconnection gas pipeline between Albania and Italy.
Thanks to the undersea DC Interconnection Line between Seman – Foggia, Albania shall be able to export energy to Italy and the European market whenever considered necessary, as well as to meet all its internal needs of energy with favorable prices.
In the same way, with the help of the high-voltage lines (400 KV) from the Power Plant of Seman to the Substations of Elbasan and Kashar (Tirana), Albania will export energy towards other countries in the region (Greece, Macedonia, Kosovo and Montenegro).
Both high-voltage internal lines will set up a very stable internal ring-like network of power transmission.
Two bln m3/year of natural gas will be supplying the Power Plant and the Albanian market, while 8 bln m3/year will be delivered to Italy through the 32″ undersea gas pipeline connected in the province of Brindisi at the Italian national network of gas.
Thanks to the two interconnections of Gas and Energy- topics to be discussed also in the planned meeting of December 3, 2007 in Tirana between Albanian Prime Minister Sali Berisha and his Italian counterpart Romano Prodi, Albania and Italy shall be empowered to provide the market with competitive prices enjoying an independent supply of liquid gas guaranteed from the exporting countries such as Qatar, Oman, Egypt, and others.
Albania and Italy will both benefit in an exchange of hydro and/or thermoelectric energy produced in Albania and other Balkan countries.
The environmental impact of these interconnections shall be minimal and within the limits established by the EU.
ASG Power SA is confident that with the conclusion of the licensing process in favor of its project within this year by the Albanian Government, the full construction of the Plant – which is expected to last 3 years – shall start in June, 2008.
