Implementation of the project is set to begin in 2025 and finish by 2027, the ministry said in a press release on Tuesday. A feasibility study for the project has already been completed.
Albania aims to expand the gas distribution system to the nearby cities of Pogradec and Erseke, and establish an extensive gas distribution system in the country's most industrialized cities by 2030, according to the press release.
The cost of the Korca gasification project is estimated at 20.8 million euro ($22.11 million), local media have reported. The distribution system will connect to a new exit point of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which carries natural gas from Azerbaijan to Europe via Albania.
TAP, which has so far only transported gas through Albania, is set to begin supplying the country with around 200 million cubic meters annually starting in 2026, Azerbaijan's energy ministry announced in March.
SOCAR owns a 20% stake in TAP, a share equal to the ones held by British oil company BP, Spain’s gas company Enagas, Italian energy infrastructure company Snam, and Belgium-based gas company Fluxys, according to TAP’s website.
(SeeNews, November 13, 2024)