Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.10
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
Single Authorization Permit of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and its approved Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) remain unaffected by the referendum held in Italy, Lisa Givert, TAP Head of Communications, told Trend.
She was commenting on the possible results of the referendum held in Italy Dec.4.
Alongside with other amendments, the referendum also envisaged returning to the state the power to regulate on energy matters and reduce the veto right of local authorities. However, 59.1 percent of voters said ‘no’ to the referendum.
There have been protests in Italy’s Puglia region demanding the TAP pipeline re-routed away from the area, which includes olive trees.
TAP is closely assessing political events in Italy as they unfold, said Givert, adding that TAP continues to progress its secondary permitting activities.
"Indeed, TAP is a strategic project for the future, helping to ensure the security and diversification of Europe’s energy supply for decades to come," she said. "It will boost TAP’s host countries’ roles as energy hubs by supporting physical interconnections and market integration."
Additionally, new gas supplies will have an important impact on gas to gas competition, offering more competitive prices for end consumers and industries, according to Givert.
TAP is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor which is one of the priority energy projects for the EU.
TAP project envisages transportation of gas from the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz gas and condensate field to the EU countries.
The 870-kilometer pipeline will be connected to the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border, run through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Italy's south.