Albania’s Gas Master Plan Unveiled

TIRANA, July 6

The Gas Master Plan for Albania was unveiled on Wednesday in the capital city during a meeting attended by Albanian and foreign experts.
Minister of Energy and Industry Damian Gjiknuri highlighted the admitted importance of gas as a necessary and alternative source in the energy sector. He stated that the master plan takes into consideration the need of investments for the development of the gas transmission network that will serve for the gasification process during the 2020-2040 period. The Minister also added that ample natural gas reserves have been located in Albania and they will meet the need of the domestic market for natural gas.
“The master plan defines the first area in Albania, Ballsh-Fier-Patos, that is going to benefit from the gas supply. Moreover, we should exploit the country’s natural gas reserves due to the increased demand for oil and gas in Albania,” Minister Gjiknuri said.
Based on the master plan, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), will be the main source of gas supply in the future.
Moreover, another immediate plan foresees setting to work the Thermal Power Plant of Vlora.
Gjiknuri also pointed out the cooperation with Kosovo regarding the drafting of feasibility studies on natural gas in order to undertake joint projects in the future.
The gas master plan drafting was provided by a grant of Euro 1.1 million allocated by the European Union (EU) through the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF). Following the presentation, the meeting proceeded to the second stage that consists of a discussion on the final draft. Afterwards, the master plan will be adopted by the Council of Minister after the conclusion of the Strategic Environmental Assessment.

News Source: ATA