Baku, Azerbaijan, Aug.16
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
Works on construction of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) in Greece and Albania neared completion and that almost all pipes had been fitted and installed, said representative of TAP for Greece, Katerina Papaleksandri, Trend reports citing Independent Balkan News Agency.
“TAP is currently moving further into the project construction phase. Compressor and dosing stations are being completed, pipeline receiving terminal in Italy as well,” said Papaleksandri.
She pointed out that European Commission and EU Member States have recognized TAP as a very important strategic project.
TAP representative for Greece said that natural gas is the best energy source in conjunction with renewable resources, thanks to its price and natural characteristics.
“Natural gas will still be part of the divergent energy mix which includes other energy sources, such as renewable nuclear sources. Europe will need reliable, safe and accessible energy coming from various sources. In accordance with the European Energy Strategy, every EU Member State should have access to at least three electricity supply sources,” Papaleksandri concluded.
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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