Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan.23
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
Construction of the interconnection between the pipeline receiving terminal of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and the gas network of Italy’s Snam company began on January 12, Snam spokesperson told Trend.
The works for the construction of the Melendugno-Brindisi pipeline began on January 12, as scheduled. In this initial phase, the setting up of the operational offices of the construction companies and of the works management and some preparatory activities are under way,” said the spokesperson.
TAP Interconnection is the gas pipeline (extending for round 55 Km) from TAP PRT (Pipeline Receiving Terminal) in Melendugno (LE) to the existing Snam Rete Gas network in Brindisi/Mesagne and crossing the municipalities of Melendugno, Vernole, Castrì, Lizzanello, Lecce, Surbo, Torchiarolo, San Pietro Vernotico, Brindisi.
TAP project, worth 4.5 billion euros, is one of the priority energy projects for the European Union (EU). The project envisages transportation of gas from Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz Stage 2 to the EU countries.
Connecting with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the Greek-Turkish border, TAP will cross Northern Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea before coming ashore in Southern Italy to connect to the Italian natural gas network.
The project is currently in its construction phase, which started in 2016.
Once built, TAP will offer a direct and cost-effective transportation route opening up the vital Southern Gas Corridor, a 3,500-kilometer long gas value chain stretching from the Caspian Sea to Europe.
TAP shareholders include BP (20 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Snam S.p.A. (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagás (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).
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