The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has submitted its application for the
construction of an Independent Natural Gas System (INGS) to RAE, the Greek
Regulatory Authority for energy. TAP’s Greek section of the pipeline will be
approximately 465 km long and will commence at Komotini, where it ties into the
national grid system. The pipeline will then cross Greece, Albania and the
Adriatic Sea, coming ashore in southern Italy.
Rikard Scoufias,
TAP’s Country Manager in Greece, commented:
“TAP’s INGS submission follows shortly after on our TPA (Third Party Access)
exemption application last month and constitutes a key element of the final
steps towards concluding the permitting process for construction of the TAP
pipeline. The construction itself, which is backed by some of the largest
European energy companies (Statoil, EGL and E.ON), is expected to bring in
excess of €1.5bn investment into Greece and to generate approximately 2,000
jobs. I am very pleased to see how well we are progressing with the Greek
authorities regarding our various permits. Our commitment to Greece stands as
firm as ever, and we are looking forward to a long and fruitful
partnership.”
TAP will
be ready to commence pipeline operations in time for first export gas west of
Turkey (expected in 2017/18) from Shah Deniz.