Trans Adriatic Pipeline - News http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/ News Feed from Trans Adriatic Pipeline en Trans Adriatic Pipeline - News http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/main/typo3conf/ext/tt_news/ext_icon.gif http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/ News Feed from Trans Adriatic Pipeline TYPO3 - get.content.right http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Fri, 17 May 2013 16:46:00 +0200 Trans Adriatic Pipeline Secures Third Party Access Exemption http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/404/ The European Commission has formally approved the Trans Adriatic Pipeline’s (TAP) application for... Brussels, Belgium. Following the approval from the relevant regulatory authorities in Italy, Greece and Albania, the European Commission has formally approved the Trans Adriatic Pipeline’s (TAP) application for Third Party Access (TPA) exemption for the initial capacity of 10bcm. The decision means that TAP can offer capacity for export of gas volumes from Azerbaijan to Europe for a period of 25 years. In addition, the Commission has approved exemptions from regulated tariffs on both TAP’s initial and expansion capacity, as well as exemption from ownership unbundling for 25 years.
 
 European Union internal market regulation typically requires third party access to all energy infrastructure, including gas pipelines. However, national regulators can grant exemptions to this rule for a limited period of time, in order to facilitate major infrastructure projects such as international pipelines. Provided that all conditions have been met, the European Union then corroborates the decision, offering an exemption from certain provisions in the regulatory framework.
                   
Commenting Kjetil Tungland, TAP’s Managing Director, said: “We are grateful to the European Commission for the swift handling of this exemption. Its signature means that we now have all of the agreements we require ahead of the Shah Deniz Consortium’s decision next month.
 
"We are absolutely confident that the Trans Adriatic Pipeline is the best solution to transport Caspian gas to Europe, improving the entire region’s energy security. It is the shortest and most technically advanced pipeline, which does not require subsidies or grants and crucially is the most commercially feasible project.” Lutz Landwehr, TAP’s Commercial Director, added: “The Trans Adriatic Pipeline was the first project to conclude its Funding, Equity and Shareholder agreements with the Shah Deniz Consortium, and the first pipeline to complete its Front End Engineering Design (FEED). Coupled with today’s announcement it demonstrates that we are in pole position to win the right to transport Caspian gas to Europe.”
 
Having submitted TPA applications to the Greek, Albanian and Italian national authorities in September 2011, TAP received its national exemptions in March 2013 under the Directive 2009/73/EC.
 
ENDS
 
About the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)
 
TAP will transport natural gas from Azerbaijan to the most attractive markets in Europe.
 
The pipeline will connect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border at Kipoi, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Southern Italy.
 
TAP’s routing can facilitate gas supply to several South Eastern European countries, including Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and others. TAP’s landfall in Italy, the third largest gas market in Europe, provides multiple opportunities for further transport of Caspian natural gas to some of the largest European markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland and Austria.
 
Designed to expand the capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year, TAP will open up the so-called Southern Gas Corridor, enhancing Europe's energy security by providing a new source of gas.
 
TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON of Germany (15%). Shah Deniz Consortium members – BP, SOCAR and Total - have the option to join TAP, if it is selected in June 2013 as the gas transportation route to Europe, and they are currently funding the development of the TAP project.
 
Media enquiries: media@tap-ag.com
 
More about TAP: www.tap-ag.com | http://twitter.com/tap_pipeline]]> Frontpage News 2013 Fri, 17 May 2013 16:46:00 +0200 Greece, Albania and Italy form political committee in support of TAP http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/400/ A trilateral cooperation committee meeting took place on 19 April between the governments of... Agreement (IGA) on TAP between the three countries in Athens on 13 February 2013, subsequently ratified by both the Greek and Albanian parliaments. In the meeting, the governments of Greece, Albania and Italy were represented as follows:
• Asimakis Papageorgiou, Deputy Minister Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Greece;
• Panayiotis G Mihalos, Secretary-General International Economic Relations, Development and Cooperation, Ministry for Foreign Affairs, Greece;
• Edith Harxhi, Deputy Foreign Minister, Albania;
• Eno Bozdo, Deputy Minister Economy, Trade and Energy, Albania;
• Ariana Çela, Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister, Albania;
• Marta Dassù, Deputy Foreign Minister, Italy;
• Claudio de Vincenti, Undersecretary of State, Ministry for Economic Development, Italy. Michael Hoffmann, External Affairs Director: "We are very pleased to acknowledge our host countries’ solid backing of the TAP project. We believe the committee will increase the chances of TAP being selected by Shah Deniz in June this year. Significantly, it will also safeguard the successful implementation of the project following selection.” ]]> Frontpage News 2013 Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:33:00 +0200 Albanian Parliament ratifies Host Government Agreement between Albania and TAP http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/398/ The HGA sets out the regulations by which the project will be realised and operated on Albanian... The Albanian Parliament has unanimously ratified the Host Government Agreement (HGA) between the Government of Albania and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project on the 15th of April in Tirana. The HGA defines the terms of engagement for the Southern Gas Corridor pipeline’s future delivery. Upon decreeing by the President of the Republic of Albania, the HGA will become a fully binding law. The HGA sets out the regulations by which the project will be realised and operated on Albanian territory. This includes processes on land easement and acquisition, the implementation of technical, safety, environmental and social standards and permitting regulations. TAP will be one of the largest foreign investors in Albania, providing a major source of revenue to the country and stimulating employment. Furthermore, it will also contribute to the development of Albanian roads and other infrastructure. The project will play a major role in developing Albania’s energy market and facilitating the government’s objective of becoming a gas hub in the Western Balkan region. Kjetil Tungland, Managing Director of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, stated: "We are impressed by the quick progress with the ratification of the HGA. TAP greatly appreciates the outstanding support Albania has given to our pipeline project, now again confirmed by the Albanian Parliament.” The Albanian section of the pipeline will start at Bilisht Qendër in the Korca region at the Albanian-Greek border, and will stretch some 209km to the coastal area north of Fier, where it will join the Adriatic Sea. The Albanian offshore section will be 60km in length. ### About the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan to the most attractive markets in Europe. The pipeline will connect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border at Kipoi, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Southern Italy. TAP’s routing can facilitate gas supply to several South Eastern European countries, including Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and others. TAP’s landfall in Italy, the third largest gas market in Europe, provides multiple opportunities for further transport of Caspian natural gas to some of the largest European markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland and Austria. Designed to expand the capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year, TAP will open up the so-called Southern Gas Corridor, enhancing Europe's energy security by providing a new source of gas.
TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). Shah Deniz Consortium members – BP, SOCAR and Total - have the option to join TAP, if it is selected in June 2013 as the gas transportation route to Europe, and they are currently funding the development of the TAP project.]]> Frontpage News 2013 Wed, 17 Apr 2013 13:47:00 +0200 TAP secures environmental permit for Albania http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/396/ The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has today announced that the Environmental Social Impact... Tirana, Albania: The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has today announced that the Environmental Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) in Albania has been approved by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Water Administration.  The Environmental Permit has been published by the National Licensing Centre. Submitted on the 21st of January 2013, the document has undergone a rigorous ten week review process, during which three public hearings were organised by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Water Administration with affected stakeholders. The ESIA maps-out all possible environmental, cultural or socio-economic impacts of the pipeline and includes measures to avoid and mitigate any possible impacts the pipeline may have during and after construction. The granting of the Permit takes the project a step closer to completion by specifying the construction and operational requirements that the management team must meet in order to fully comply with Albania’s environmental legislation. Prior to the final submission, TAP provided the full ESIA document to residents of 83 communities in the regions of Korça, Skrapar, Berat and Fier, as well as to variousNGOs and central institutions:  In total, 23 public consultations took place with local stakeholders along the TAP route.  In addition, local government was involved in the consultation process, with the project team discussing the report with the councils of 38 communes located along the route and all issued formal decisions in support of TAP project. During this period of public consultation, TAP received feedback from the local communities and responded to a range of queries. Commenting Albert Haak, Country Manager for TAP in Albania said: “The Trans Adriatic Pipeline has always placed great emphasis on corporate social responsibility so we are delighted that Environmental, Social Impact Assessment in Albania has been ap-proved. Our discussions with individual people, local government and NGOs have shown consistently high levels of support for TAP and that has been borne out with today’s deci-sion. 
“Having now secured our ESIA we can move to the next stage, obtaining the infrastructure permits needed for the construction phase. We are fully on track to be ready to ship Shah Deniz gas when it becomes available in late 2018.”  
TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan, through Greece and Albania to Italy, from where it can be transported further into Western Europe. The Albanian section of the pipeline will start at Bilisht Qendër at the Greek border, and will stretch some 209km to the coastal area north of Fier, where it will join the Adriatic. The Albanian offshore section will be 60km in length. ENDS About TAP  TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan to the most attractive markets in Europe. The pipeline will interconnect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea coming ashore in Southern Italy. TAP’s routing can facilitate gas supply to several South Eastern European countries including Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and others.  TAP’s landfall in Italy, the third largest gas market in Europe, provides multiple opportunities for further transport of Caspian natural gas to some of the largest European markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland and Austria. Designed to expand the capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year, TAP will open up the so-called Southern Gas Corridor, which will enhance Europe's energy security by contributing to the diversification of the region's gas supplies. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). Shah Deniz II consortium members – BP, SOCAR and Total - have the option to join TAP if it is selected in June 2013, and are currently funding the TAP project. More about TAP at www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com  For further information, please contact:
media@tap-ag.com 
]]> News 2013 Frontpage Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:45:00 +0200 Jobs, investments and benefits to the territory. http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/393/ TAP's contribution to the economy of Salento and Puglia according to the results of the Nomisma... TAP's contribution to the economy of Salento and Puglia according to the results of the Nomisma Energia study. Lecce, Italy: In a study undertaken by Nomisma Energia, it was concluded that overall, the construction of TAP will contribute directly to GDP in the Puglia region of approximately € 80 million per year, during the four years of construction (2015 - 2018). In terms of employment, the Nomisma Energia study found the direct effect for the same period will amount to approximately 150 jobs (part-time and full-time) per year.
Considering the additional indirect and induced effects, the economic impact of the project during construction on the region amounts to approximately € 290 million and 2,170 jobs per year overall.
The study conducted by Nomisma Energy, published in March 2013, is based on a scientific method widely adopted, which divides the effects of an investment project on the region in direct, indirect and induced, differentiating the contribution of the construction phase of the pipeline (2015-2018) and the phase in which the infrastructure will be operational (2019-2068) i.
According to this approach, the investment of TAP will have a direct impact due to capital expenditures during the construction phase and the operational phase, with its impact on the economy and contractors. The activity of the latter generates a direct effect on the economy and an indirect one, due to the fact that the contracts outsourced to local companies become part of the supply chain of goods and services. It can also be detected a spill-over effect due to the presence of the infrastructure in the area, which will provide an incentive for the local economy, bringing more investment to be used on goods and services for citizens, stimulate consumption, export activities and taxation. The Nomisma study considers, in fact, that at least 25% of the workforce employed in the construction of the infrastructure will be based on the area around Melendugno, helping to increase the volume of consumption. At the same time, the Nomisma Energy study concludes that during the 50 years of the operational phase, the pipeline will generate:
  • Direct effects on regional GDP of approximately € 180 million (approximately € 4 million euro per year)
  • Around 30 jobs per year
  • Additional indirect and induced effects during the operation phase  
for a total contribution to regional GDP equal to approximately € 380 million (€ 8 million euro a year), which, in turn, will generate employment impact at an average of 220 jobs per year.  The estimate global impact for for the Province of Lecce amounts to:
  • 15 million euro in terms of annual contribution to provincial GDP for the construction phase
  • Approximately € 4 million per year for the fifty years of operation of the infrastructure
  • 340 jobs a year for the construction phase and 129 a year for the operational phase
Further, the study concludes that at the municipal level, the TAP project will have a macroeconomic impact, linked to both the construction phase and to the presence and activities of the receiving terminal; in addition contributions are expected to government budgets in the form of taxes, which the company will have to pay. The value of this amount, corresponding to the payment of taxes like IMU and TIA (property tax and tax on environmental hygiene), can be quantified in a total of approximately 393,000 Euros per year during  operations. This figure is linked to the evolution of the fiscal legislation and to the final size of the PRT, which will be officially defined with the finalization of the ESIA procedure (September 2013).
In conclusion, the Nomisma study shows an important support to economic development not only for the municipality hosting the project, but in general the whole of the Salento and Puglia region. www.conoscitap.it 
For further information
Press Office Italy:
Segest – Marco Vergari
Tel. 0532 205455
E-mail: m.vergari@segest.com 
(i): The Nomisma Energia study has based its calculations on estimated figures initially provided by TAP.
]]> News 2013 Wed, 10 Apr 2013 17:02:00 +0200 Greek parliament ratifies intergovernmental agreement on the Trans Adriatic Pipeline http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/391/ The Greek Parliament on Tuesday, April 9 2013, ratified the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA)... Kjetil Tungland, TAP’s Managing Director, said: “As the final decision for the Southern Route by the Shah Deniz Consortium draws closer, we thank the Greek Parliament’s ratification of the IGA. We maintain our confidence that the excellent collaboration with Greece will continue and that together we will provide Shah Deniz with the most compelling offer.” Michael Hoffmann, External Affairs Director for TAP said: “This marks an important step towards the final decision by Shah Deniz and underlines the progress and advanced status of the TAP project. The ratification by the Greek Parliament emphasizes the common benefits TAP will bring and highlights our common values.” Rikard Scoufias, TAP Country Manager for Greece said: ”The good relationship TAP has developed over the years with Greece continues with Parliament’s ratification and reiterates the fact that together Greece and TAP can and will produce the best bid for Shah Deniz. We look forward to our continued cooperation and thank the Parliament for its support.” About TAP TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan to the most attractive markets in Europe. The pipeline will interconnect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea coming ashore in Southern Italy. TAP’s routing can facilitate enabling gas supply to several South Eastern European countries including Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and others. TAP’s landfall in Italy, the third largest gas market in Europe, provides multiple opportunities for further transport of Caspian natural gas to some of the largest European markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland and Austria. Designed to expand the capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year, TAP will open up the so-called Southern Gas Corridor, which will enhance Europe's energy security by contributing to the diversification of the region's gas supplies. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). Shah Deniz II consortium members have the option to join TAP if it is selected and are currently funding the TAP project. More about TAP at www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com For further information, please contact: media@tap-ag.com ]]> News 2013 Frontpage Wed, 10 Apr 2013 15:49:00 +0200 Government of Albania and TAP finalise Host Government Agreement http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/389/ The Albanian Ministry of Economy, Trade and Energy and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project... Tirana, Albania: The Albanian Ministry of Economy, Trade and Energy and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project have today signed the Host Government Agreement (HGA), formally agreeing the terms of engagement for the Southern Gas Corridor pipeline’s future delivery. The HGA sets out the regulations by which the project will be realised and operated on Albanian territory. This includes processes on land easement and acquisition, the implementation of technical, safety environmental and social standards and permitting regulations. Upon ratification by the national parliament in the coming weeks, the HGA will become a fully binding law. Government of Albania and TAP finalise Host Government Agreement TAP is one of the largest sources of foreign investment in Albania,  which would provide a major source of revenue to the country. During construction TAP will stimulate employment in a range of direct and indirect industries including manufacturing and utilities, transport, communications and financial and business services. It will also contribute to the development of Albanian roads and other infrastructure. Furthermore, the project will play a major role in developing Albania’s energy market and facilitating the Government’s objective of becoming a gas hub for South East Europe. Planned exit points in the country and a reverse flow facility will help to ensure security of supply, while there is also an option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Fier.  Kjetil Tungland, TAP's Managing Director, stated: "Today is another important milestone in the Trans Adriatic Pipeline project’s delivery, demonstrating again our readiness to meet the Shah Deniz Consortium’s timetable. As one of the largest sources of foreign investment into Albania to date, TAP will create any number of direct and indirect benefits including significant investment into the country and in the creation of jobs. “We would like to thank the Albanian Government for their continuing support in realising today’s agreement and look forward to working closely with them in realizing TAP, and all of the benefits it will bring for Albania.” TAP will enhance Europe’s energy security and diversity by providing a new source of gas. The pipeline will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II development in Azerbaijan, through Greece and Albania to Italy, from where it can be transported further into Western Europe. The Albanian section of the pipeline will start at Bilisht Qendër in the Korc¸a region at the Albanian-Greek border, and will stretch some 209km to the coastal area north of Fier where it will join the Adriatic. The Albanian offshore section will be 60km in length. ENDS About TAP
TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan to the most attractive markets in Europe. The pipeline will interconnect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea coming ashore in Southern Italy.  TAP’s routing can facilitate gas supply to several South Eastern European countries including Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and others.  TAP’s landfall in Italy, the third largest gas market in Europe, provides multiple opportunities for further transport of Caspian natural gas to some of the largest European markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland and Austria. Designed to expand the capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year, TAP will open up the so-called Southern Gas Corridor, which will enhance Europe's energy security by contributing to the diversification of the region's gas supplies. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). More about TAP at www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com  For media enquiries, please contact:
Media@tap-ag.com More about TAP:
www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com ]]> News 2013 Frontpage Fri, 05 Apr 2013 13:38:00 +0200 TAP Submits Decision Support Package to Shah Deniz Consortium http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/388/ On 28th March, 2013 the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project submitted a comprehensive... Baar, Switzerland. On 28th March, 2013 the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project submitted a comprehensive transportation bid (known as the Decision Support Package or DSP) to the Shah Deniz consortium (The Consortium).  Building on the information that TAP provided in October 2011, the DSP will be assessed by the Shah Deniz consortium as part of the project selection process.  The Consortium’s decision on which pipeline will be selected to open the Southern Gas Corridor is expected in June of this year. The completion of TAP’s Front End Engineering Design (FEED) in March this year represents one of the key components of the DSP.  TAP’s submission responds directly to the eight selection criteria defined by The Consortium: commerciality, project deliverability, scalability, operability, financial deliverability, engineering design, alignment and transparency, and public policy considerations. TAP’s proposal therefore includes hundreds of documents ranging from technical to commercial, financial to environmental, and from government policy to Corporate Social Responsibility and stakeholder management. Kjetil Tungland, TAP’s Managing Director, said: “We are confident that our project has submitted the most compelling offer and in doing so, successfully meets the eight selection criteria set out by The Consortium.  Since being selected as Shah Deniz’s preferred southern route option in February 2012, TAP has made tremendous progress, achieving several major milestones.  The most notable achievement, being the recent signing of the Intergovernmental Agreement between Italy, Greece and Albania on 13th February 2013.  TAP can now rely on a strong and robust legal framework to the satisfaction of project investors and The Consortium.” He added: “TAP’s characteristics remain unrivalled: our shareholders are world leading energy companies; TAP is the shortest and most direct solution, and consequently the most technically and commercially viable option; TAP is easily scalable from 10bcm to 20bcm; and most critically does not require any public subsidies or grants to be built.  TAP’s routing and easy expansion allows TAP to supply more gas to several markets in South Eastern Europe and Northern Europe, as and when more volumes become available.  Our pipeline is truly designed with the future in mind.” TAP’s collaboration with the Shah Deniz consortium has been excellent.  In February 2012, TAP was the first pipeline to be pre-selected and enter into exclusive negotiations.  In June 2012, Shah Deniz partners BP, SOCAR and Total signed a Cooperation Agreement with TAP, followed in August 2012 by a Funding and Equity Agreement with an option to take a 50% equity stake in the project. Finally, in November 2012 TAP shareholders and SOCAR, BP and Total concluded a Shareholder Agreement defining how the TAP Joint Venture would be governed with members of the Shah Deniz Consortium if TAP is selected in June. ENDS About TAP  TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan to the most attractive markets in Europe. The pipeline will interconnect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea coming ashore in Southern Italy.  TAP’s routing can facilitate gas supply to several South Eastern European countries including Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and others.  TAP’s landfall in Italy, the third largest gas market in Europe, provides multiple opportunities for further transport of Caspian natural gas to some of the largest European markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland and Austria. Designed to expand the capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year, TAP will open up the so-called Southern Gas Corridor, which will enhance Europe's energy security by contributing to the diversification of the region's gas supplies. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). More about TAP at www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com For further information, please contact:
media@tap-ag.com ]]> News 2013 Frontpage Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:29:00 +0100 Albanian Parliament ratifies Intergovernmental Agreement on the Trans Adriatic Pipeline http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/387/ On March 25, 2013 the Albanian Parliament unanimously ratified the Intergovernmental Agreement... On March 25, 2013 the Albanian Parliament unanimously ratified the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Albania, Italy and Greece on the construction and operation of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project. Signed in Athens on February 13, 2013, the tri-lateral IGA confirmed the three host countries’ support for TAP and their cooperation for the project’s timely implementation. 
The ratification of the IGA follows the finalization of the Host Government Agreement (HGA), initialled in Tirana by TAP’s Managing Director, Kjetil Tungland, and Albania’s Minister of Economy, Trade and Energy, Edmond Haxhinasto, on January 18, 2013.  As the project progresses, the HGA sets out the parameters of engagement between TAP and the Albanian Government, such as permitting process, implementation of technical and safety standards or land easement procedure.  
Kjetil Tungland, TAP’s Managing Director, said: “We are pleased to receive this strong endorsement and are confident that our excellent collaboration will continue.  The ratification of the IGA represents a key element in TAP’s Decision Support Package submission to Shah Deniz at the end of this month ensuring a compelling offer.”
Michael Hoffmann, External Affairs Director for TAP said: “The IGA ratification by the Albanian Parliament demonstrates once again TAP’s increasingly advanced status.   It is important to underline that the Parliament gave its unanimous approval for the IGA.  This is extremely rare and once again illustrates the very strong commitment of the Albanian authorities in making TAP a reality.”
In the context of cooperation with the Albanian Government, TAP has committed to assist-ing with the creation of a national Gas Master Plan (GMP). This will see the development of a gas transportation grid that may supply to businesses and, at a later stage, Albanian families. The GMP will enable the Albanian Government to meet its strategic goal of be-coming an energy hub in the region. Finally, the TAP project will contribute to the Albanian economy through a significant investment of approximately Euros 1bn, and will serve to create jobs in the country as the project develops. 
ENDS
About TAP 
TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan to the most attractive markets in Europe.
The pipeline will interconnect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea coming ashore in Southern Italy. TAP’s routing can facilitate enabling gas supply to several South Eastern European countries including Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and others. TAP’s landfall in Italy, the third largest gas market in Europe, provides multiple opportunities for further transport of Caspian natural gas to some of the largest European markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland and Austria.
Designed to expand the capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year, TAP will open up the so-called Southern Gas Corridor, which will enhance Europe's energy security by contributing to the diversification of the region's gas supplies. 
TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%).
More about TAP at www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com 
For further information, please contact:
media@tap-ag.com 
]]> News 2013 Frontpage Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:14:00 +0100 Trans Adriatic Pipeline completes Front End Engineering Design http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/386/ TAP has reached another significant milestone in the project development by completing the Front... Baar, Switzerland. TAP has reached another significant milestone in the project development by completing the Front End Engineering Design (FEED) stage. This prepares the natural gas pipeline project for the next steps including detailed engineering, start of tendering for steel pipes and construction services. TAP’s engineering team has now finalised the definition of key technical parameters for the planned pipeline such as the optimal routing onshore and offshore, specification of the pipeline material, and design of valves, crossings, and compressor stations. The comprehensive FEED documentation also describes the logistical effort required for the TAP construction including resources, machinery, time and infrastructure necessary to build the over 800 km long pipeline across Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea with a landfall in southern Italy. 
One of the main objectives of FEED is to ensure the constructability of the pipeline and to provide solid technical solutions to avoid environmentally protected areas, and also to identify and propose measures for avoiding potential risks to the pipeline’s safety. 
To complete the FEED, TAP mobilized the world-class engineering expertise of two of its shareholders, Norwegian Statoil and German E.ON Ruhrgas, which are the leading specialists in the implementation of onshore and offshore pipeline projects across the globe.
TAP, together with Statoil and E.ON New Build and Technology, involved over 40 subcontractors and 200 engineers to conclude the FEED. During the past few years they have conducted over 150 technical missions, including offshore and onshore surveys. Overall, TAP’s technical team analysed in detail over 10,000 km of terrain to identify the most optimal pipeline route to transport Shah Deniz gas to Europe. 
Sigurd Hamre, TAP’s Project Development Director, said: “We can be proud of the quality of TAP’s Front End Engineering Design. The comprehensive and detailed technical documentation clearly demonstrates that we are developing the project according to the highest international requirements, with special attention to safety and minimizing risks.”
Kjetil Tungland, TAP’s Managing Director, said: “Completion of FEED is a major achievement for TAP and another confirmation of our technical excellence. It has involved a huge amount of engineering work to analyse in detail all the technical aspects of the pipeline route and to identify the most feasible and cost-effective transport solution for Shah Deniz gas to Europe. Once again, TAP has hard facts to prove that our project is on schedule and fully aligned with the Shah Deniz development.”
The FEED report constitutes a part of the Decision Support Package, which will be submitted by TAP to the Shah Deniz Consortium on the 31st of March 2013. The Consortium plans to make a decision on the preferred gas transportation route to Europe by June 2013.
Completion of FEED allows TAP to start preparing for the next phase - Detailed Engineering - which will include tendering for steel pipes and construction services. The construction of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline is planned to start in late 2014 and will be completed by 2018, in time for the first gas coming on stream from Shah Deniz II in Azerbaijan.
ENDS
About TAP 
TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan to the most attractive markets in Europe.
The pipeline will interconnect with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) near the Turkish-Greek border, cross Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea coming ashore in Southern Italy. TAP’s routing can facilitate enabling gas supply to several South Eastern European countries including Bulgaria, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Croatia and others. TAP’s landfall in Italy, the third largest gas market in Europe, provides multiple opportunities for further transport of Caspian natural gas to some of the largest European markets such as Germany, France, the UK, Switzerland and Austria.
Designed to expand the capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year, TAP will open up the so-called Southern Gas Corridor, which will enhance Europe's energy security by contributing to the diversification of the region's gas supplies. 
TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%).
More about TAP at www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com 
For further information, please contact:
media@tap-ag.com 
]]> News 2013 Frontpage Mon, 25 Mar 2013 10:45:00 +0100 TAP and Shah Deniz Consortium members select Société Générale as financial advisor http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/385/ Société Générale Corporate and Investment Banking will provide financial guidance to the project... The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), and members of the Shah Deniz Consortium have selected Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking to provide financial guidance to the project during its preparatory and construction phases. The decision was made by TAP, its shareholders Axpo, Statoil and E.ON Ruhrgas, and Shah Deniz Consortium members SOCAR, BP and Total as potential investors in TAP. Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking was named Oil & Gas Financial Adviser of the Year for 2010 and 2012 by Infrastructure Journal, and is a leading adviser to cross border pipelines, most recently the Nord Stream EUR 7.4bln project.
 
Société Générale will initially assist TAP’s management team with structuring the pipeline's project finance strategy, carrying out a bankability review and formulating a credible and deliverable funding plan.
 
Following the Shah Deniz Consortium’s selection of its preferred pipeline to Europe and TAP’s shareholders’ ‘Resolution to Construct’, expected in September 2013, Société Générale will support TAP in the implementation of the plan and the raising of any required capital.
 
In the wake of the recent completion of an Intergovernmental Agreement on TAP by the Governments of Greece, Albania and Italy, today’s announcement demonstrates TAP’s readiness to transport Caspian gas to Western markets. The pipeline has been designed to synchronise with the Shah Deniz Consortium’s delivery timetable and will be ready when the gas comes on stream.
 
Kjetil Tungland, Managing Director of TAP, commented: "I am pleased that TAP, its shareholders and members of the Shah Deniz Consortium, have worked together and come to a final decision in selecting a financial advisor. Today’s nomination is another step in making the Trans Adriatic Pipeline a reality. TAP’s financial strength is well-known - our offer remains the most strategic and compelling commercially, not least because we are the only pipeline that does not require public funds.”
 
“As we approach the next stage in TAP’s development, Société Générale will support us in structuring financing for the project, enabling us to deliver the highest value to our customers and investors. We’re delighted to be working with an organisation of their pedigree and expertise. This appointment is further validation of the strength of our proposal.”
 
ENDS
 
About TAP
 
TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in Azerbaijan, via Greece and Albania to southern Italy, from where it can be transported further into Western Europe. Designed to expand the capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year, TAP will open up the so-called Southern Gas Corridor, which will enhance Europe's energy security by contributing to the diversification of the region's gas supplies.
 
The Shah Deniz Consortium is expected to make the final selection on its preferred gas transportation solution to Europe by mid-2013.
 
TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%).
 
More about TAP at www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com
 
About Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking At the core of Société Générale’s universal banking business model, the Corporate & Investment Bank is a well-diversified and leading player with nearly 12,000 professionals present in 33 countries across Europe, the Americas and Asia-Pacific.
 
Standing by its clients across sectors, the Corporate & Investment Bank tailors solutions for them by capitalising on its worldwide expertise in investment banking, global finance, and global markets.
 
For Corporates, Financial Institutions and public sector: providing a global advisory approach (M&A, debt, equity transaction, capital structure, and asset & liability management), as well as quality capital raising solutions across the debt and equity spectrum, optimised financing and expert risk management responses notably in the realm of foreign exchange and rates derivatives.
 
For investors: offering reliable and sound investment opportunities and risk management solutions through its integrated global markets platform delivering seamless access to markets (equity, rates, credit, currencies, commodities and derivatives), as well as advice and solid financial engineering, quality of execution and forward looking research across asset classes.
 
More about Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking at www.sgcib.com
 
For further information, please contact:
media@tap-ag.com]]> News 2013 Frontpage Tue, 19 Mar 2013 10:34:00 +0100 TAP and TANAP enjoy close cooperation, following signing of MoU in November 2012 http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/384/ The agreement establishes a technical and commercial cooperation between the two parties and... About the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project that will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to Southern Italy and further into Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea and beyond. The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year. TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Albania to further ensure security of supply. TAP's transportation solution will be approximately 800 kilometres in length.Transport will begin near the Greek-Turkish border, cross Albania and the Adriatic Sea, and connect with the Italian natural gas distribution system near San Foca in Italy. TAP's shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway's Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). Media enquiries:
media@tap-ag.com]]> Frontpage News 2013 Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:35:00 +0100 Greece, Italy and Albania sign a tri-lateral intergovernmental agreement, demonstrating their full support for TAP http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/379/ The governments of Greece, Italy and Albania have today cemented their full support for and... The governments of Greece, Italy and Albania have today cemented their full support for and commitment to the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) project by signing a tri-lateral intergovernmental agreement (IGA). Concluded at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Athens, the IGA solidifies a range of key commitments by Greece, Italy and Albania to the forward development, construction and operation of the TAP pipeline. Within the framework of the Community Treaties and the Energy Community Treaty, the IGA will ensure that the states cooperate in the timely delivery and efficient operation of the TAP pipeline. Kjetil Tungland, TAP’s Managing Director, said: “I would like to thank all the governments for their support and dedication resulting in the signing of this important agreement today. This agreement between TAP's host countries lays the strong foundation and long term security that is required to move the project forward towards selection and construction. We now look ahead to continuing our fruitful cooperation in making the TAP project a reality.” Michael Hoffmann, TAP’s External Affairs Director, stated: “The signing of the IGA further reinforces the host governments’ support for TAP from a legal and regulatory perspective. For TAP, this concludes the last remaining high level international political agreement, which is important for the upcoming selection process by the Shah Deniz Consortium.” TAP is one of the pipeline projects being developed to transport Shah Deniz gas to Europe and is the only pipeline option that will cross Greece. The Shah Deniz Consortium will make their final selection of the Southern Gas Corridor project to transport Shah Deniz gas by June 2013. The Trans Adriatic Pipeline will bring significant foreign direct investment and jobs associated with the construction of this major pipeline in all three host countries – Greece, Albania and Italy. Signing the agreement on behalf of the three states’ governments were Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, the Deputy Prime Minister and Energy Minister of Albania, Edmond Haxhinasto, and Italian Development Minister Corrado Passera. The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of the government of Azerbaijan, of the TAP Joint Venture and the three companies participating in the joint venture, and of the companies participating in the Shah Deniz II Consortium. High-ranking third-country officials were also in attendance. Foreign Ministry announcement on the signing of the Greek-Albanian-Italian Trilateral Intergovernmental Agreement on the construction of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) >> Foreign Minister Avramopoulos’ speech at the signing ceremony for the intergovernmental agreement in support of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) >> About TAP The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea. The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year. TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Albania to further ensure security of supply during any operational interruption of gas deliveries. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). For further information and pictures from the IGA signing ceremony, please contact:
media@tap-ag.com More about TAP:
www.tap-ag.com ----- Ελλάδα, Ιταλία και Αλβανία υπογράφουν τριμερή διακρατική συμφωνία, εκφράζοντας την πλήρη στήριξή τους στον TAP Αθήνα. Οι κυβερνήσεις της Ελλάδας, της Ιταλίας και της Αλβανίας εδραίωσαν σήμερα την πλήρη υποστήριξη και δέσμευσή τους για τον Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) υπογράφοντας τριμερή διακρατική συμφωνία. Η Συμφωνία, που υπεγράφη στο Υπουργείο Εξωτερικών, παγιώνει μία σειρά δεσμεύσεων εκ μέρους της Ελλάδας, της Ιταλίας και της Αλβανίας για τη μελλοντική ανάπτυξη, κατασκευή και λειτουργία του αγωγού TAP. Στο πλαίσιο των Κοινοτικών Συνθηκών και της Συνθήκης για την ίδρυση της Ενεργειακής Κοινότητας, η Συμφωνία διασφαλίζει ότι οι συμβαλλόμενες χώρες θα συνεργαστούν για την έγκαιρη ολοκλήρωση και αποτελεσματική λειτουργία του αγωγού TAP. Ο Kjetil Tungland, Διευθύνων Σύμβουλος του TAP, δήλωσε: «Θα ήθελα να ευχαριστήσω όλες τις κυβερνήσεις για την υποστήριξη και προσήλωση που έχουν δείξει και οι οποίες οδήγησαν στη σημερινή υπογραφή αυτής της σημαντικής συμφωνίας. Η συμφωνία μεταξύ των χωρών υποδοχής εξασφαλίζει γερά θεμέλια και μακροπρόθεσμη ασφάλεια όπως απαιτείται για την πρόοδο του έργου με στόχο την επιλογή και την κατασκευή του. Πλέον, κοιτάζουμε μπροστά προσβλέποντας στη συνέχιση της εποικοδομητικής συνεργασίας μας με στόχο το έργο του TAP να γίνει πραγματικότητα». Ο Michael Hoffmann, Διευθυντής Εξωτερικών Υποθέσεων του TAP, δήλωσε: «Η υπογραφή της Συμφωνίας ενδυναμώνει ακόμη περισσότερο την υποστήριξη των χωρών υποδοχής για τον TAP από νομικής και ρυθμιστικής άποψης. Για τον TAP, το βήμα αυτό ολοκληρώνει την τελευταία εκκρεμή διεθνή πολιτική συμφωνία υψηλού επιπέδου και είναι σημαντικό για την επικείμενη διαδικασία επιλογής από την Κοινοπραξία του Shah Deniz». O TAP είναι ένα από τα έργα αγωγών που σχεδιάζονται για τη μεταφορά του αερίου του Shah Deniz στην Ευρώπη και ο μοναδικός αγωγός που διατρέχει την Ελλάδα. Η Κοινοπραξία του Shah Deniz θα προβεί στην οριστική επιλογή της για το έργο του Νότιου Διαδρόμου Φυσικού Αερίου που θα μεταφέρει αέριο από το Shah Deniz μέχρι τον Ιούνιο του 2013. Ο Trans Adriatic Pipeline θα φέρει σημαντικές ξένες άμεσες επενδύσεις και θέσεις εργασίας σχετικές με την κατασκευή αυτού του σημαντικού αγωγού και στις τρεις χώρες υποδοχής – Ελλάδα, Αλβανία, και Ιταλία. Σχετικά με τον TAP Ο Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) είναι ένα έργο αγωγού φυσικού αερίου. Ο αγωγός θα μεταφέρει φυσικό αέριο από την περιοχή της Κασπίας Θάλασσας μέσω της Ελλάδας, της Αλβανίας και της Αδριατικής Θάλασσας στη Νότια Ιταλία και περαιτέρω στη Δυτική Ευρώπη. Το έργο στοχεύει στην ενίσχυση της ασφάλειας του εφοδιασμού, καθώς και τη διαφοροποίηση των προμηθειών φυσικού αερίου για τις ευρωπαϊκές αγορές. Ο TAP θα ανοίξει έναν νέο, τον επονομαζόμενο Νότιο Διάδρομο Φυσικού Αερίου προς την Ευρώπη και θα δημιουργήσει μια νέα διέξοδο στην αγορά για το φυσικό αέριο από την Κασπία Θάλασσα. Το έργο διαθέτει τη δυνατότητα επέκτασης της μεταφορικής του ικανότητας από τα 10 στα 20 δισ. κυβικά μέτρα ετησίως. Επίσης, ο TAP έχει σχεδιαστεί έτσι ώστε να μπορεί να υποστηρίξει αντίστροφη φυσική ροή για έως και το 80% της μεταφορικής του ικανότητας και προβλέπει τη δυνατότητα κατασκευής εγκαταστάσεων αποθήκευσης φυσικού αερίου στην Αλβανία προκειμένου να διασφαλιστεί ο ενεργειακός εφοδιασμός σε περίπτωση επιχειρησιακής διακοπής των παραδόσεων φυσικού αερίου. Μέτοχοι του ΤΑΡ είναι η ελβετική Axpo (42,5%), η νορβηγική Statoil (42,5%) και η γερμανική E.ON Ruhrgas (15%). Για περισσότερες πληροφορίες και φωτογραφίες από την τελετή υπογραφής της Διακρατικής Συμφωνίας, παρακαλούμε επικοινωνήστε με τον TAP στο:
media@tap-ag.com Περισσότερες πληροφορίες για τον TAP:
www.tap-ag.com ----- Grecia, Italia e Albania firmano un accordo intergovernativo trilaterale, dimostrando il loro pieno supporto a TAP Atene, Grecia. Oggi i governi di Grecia, Italia e Albania hanno sancito il loro pieno impegno e sostegno alla realizzazione del progetto Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) con la firma dell’accordo intergovernativo trilaterale (IGA). Concluso al Ministero degli Affari Esteri ad Atene, l’IGA rafforza una serie di impegni chiave tra Grecia, Italia e Albania per lo sviluppo, la costruzione e l’attività futura del gasdotto TAP. Nel quadro dei Trattati Comunitari e del Trattato della Comunità dell'Energia, l’accordo intergovernativo trilaterale assicurerà la cooperazione tra gli Stati per la puntuale realizzazione del gasdotto. Kjetil Tungland, Managing Director di TAP, ha affermato: “Vorrei ringraziare tutti i governi per il sostegno e la dedizione dimostrata per la firma odierna di questo importante accordo. L’IGA tra i Paesi che ospiteranno TAP garantisce forti basi e la necessaria sicurezza di lungo termine affinché il progetto avanzi verso la fase di selezione e  costruzione. Ora guardiamo avanti, continuando la nostra proficua cooperazione per permettere che il progetto TAP diventi presto realtà”. Michael Hoffmann, External Affairs Director di TAP, ha commentato: “La firma dell’accordo intergovernativo rinforza ulteriormente il sostegno a TAP da parte dei governi ospitanti, sia da un punto di vista legale che regolatorio. Per TAP, quest’atto rappresenta l’ultimo accordo politico internazionale di alto livello, importante per l’imminente processo di selezione da parte del Consorzio di Shah Deniz”. TAP è uno dei progetti di gasdotto sviluppati per trasportare il gas naturale di Shah Deniz in Europa ed esso rappresenta l’unica opzione di gasdotto che attraverserà la Grecia. Entro il giugno 2013, il Consorzio di Shah Deniz effettuerà la selezione definitiva del gasdotto che trasporterà il proprio gas in Europa attraverso il Corridoio Sud. Ai tre i paesi ospitanti Grecia, Italia ed Albania, TAP apporterà significativi investimenti diretti esteri ed opportunità di lavoro associate alla costruzione del gasdotto. A proposito di TAP Il gasdotto Trans Adriatico (TAP) trasporterà gas naturale dalla regione del Mar Caspio attraverso Grecia, Albania e il mar Adriatico fino all’Italia meridionale e da lì all’Europa occidentale. Il progetto e‘ finalizzato ad aumentare la sicurezza degli approvvigionamenti e la diversificazione delle forniture di gas nei mercati euro-pei. TAP aprirà il cosiddetto Corridoio Sud all’Europa e creando un nuovo sbocco per il gas naturale del Mar Caspio. Il progetto prevede la possibilità di espandere la portata da 10 a 20 mld di metri cubi all’anno. Inoltre, TAP permette di creare impianti per lo stoccaggio del gas in Albania al fine di garantire una maggiore sicurezza di approvvigionamento per il mercato europeo in caso di eventuali interruzioni operative. Gli azionisti del progetto TAP sono la svizzera Axpo (42.5%), la norvegese Statoil (42.5%) e la tedesca E.ON Ruhrgas (15%). www.conoscitap.it
Per ulterior informazioni
Ufficio stampa Italia:
Massimo Moriconi
Fleishman-Hillard Italia
(T) +39 02 31 804 713 | (M) +39 345 7357 808
(E) massimo.moriconi@fleishmaneurope.com ----- Greqia, Italia dhe Shqipëria nënshkruajnë marrëveshje ndërqeveritare tri palëshe duke treguar mbështetje të plotë për TAP Athinë, Greqi. Qeveritë e Greqisë, Italisë dhe Shqipërisë përforcuan sot mbështetjen e tyre të plotë dhe zotimin me Projektin Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) duke nënshkruar një marrëveshje ndërqeveritare tri palëshe (IGA). Marrëveshja u nënshkrua në Ministrinë e Punëve të Jashtme të Greqisë në Athinë dhe përforcon një sërë angazhimesh të Greqisë, Italisë dhe Shqipërisë lidhur me çuarjen përpara të zhvillimit, ndërtimit dhe funksionimit të gazsjellësit TAP. Në kuadrin e Traktateve të Komunitetit dhe Traktatit të Komunitetit të Energjisë, kjo marrëveshje do të sigurojë bashkëpunimin e shteteve lidhur me dorëzimin në kohë dhe funksionimin efikas të gazsjellësit TAP. Kjetil Tungland, Drejtori Menaxhues i TAP-it, deklaroi: “Dëshiroj të falënderoj të gjithë qeveritë për mbështetjen dhe përkushtimin që solli sot nënshkrimin e kësaj marrëveshje të rëndësishme. Kjo marrëveshje midis vendeve pritëse të TAP-it hap themele të forta dhe vendos sigurinë afat gjatë që nevojitet për të çuar projektin përpara drejt përzgjedhjes dhe ndërtimit. Tani ne shohim përpara që të vazhdojmë bashkëpunimin tonë të frytshëm dhe të bëjmë Projektin TAP një realitet.” Michael Hoffmann, Drejtori i Punëve me Jashtë të TAP-it, deklaroi: “Nënshkrimi i kësaj marrëveshje përforcon më tej mbështetjen e vendeve pritëse për TAP-in nga pikëpamja ligjore dhe rregullatore. Për TAP-in, kjo përmbyll marrëveshjen e fundit në rang të lartë politik ndërkombëtar, që është e rëndësishme për procesin e ardhshëm të përzgjedhjes nga Konsorciumi i Shah Deniz.” TAP është njëri nga projektet gazsjellëse që po zhvillohen për të transportuar gazin e Shah Deniz-it për në Evropë dhe është e vetmja alternativë gazsjellëse që përshkon Greqinë. Konsorciumi Shah Deniz do të bëjë përzgjedhjen e tij të fundit mbi projektin e Korridorit Jugor të Gazit brenda qershorit të këtij viti. Gazsjellësi Trans Adriatic Pipeline do të sjellë investime të huaja të drejtpërdrejta të konsiderueshme dhe punësim lidhur me ndërtimin e këtij gazsjellësi madhor në të tri vendet pritëse – Greqi, Shqipëri dhe Itali. Mbi TAP-in Gazsjellësi Trans Adriatik (TAP) është një projekt i tubacionit të gazit natyror. Tubacioni planifikon të transportojë gaz nga rajoni Kaspik nëpërmjet Greqisë dhe Shqipërisë përmes detit Adriatik në Italinë jugore dhe më tej në Evropën Perëndimore. Projekti synon të përmirësojë sigurinë e furnizimit si dhe zgjerimin e furnizimit me gaz për tregjet Evropiane. TAP do të hapë të ashtuquajturin Korridor Jugor të Gazit për në Evropë dhe do të krijojë një treg të ri për gazin natyror nga deti Kaspik. Projekti është hartuar të zgjerojë kapacitetin e transportimit nga 10 në 20 bcm në vit. TAP ka planifikuar edhe rrjedhjen e kundërt fizike deri në 80 përqind dhe opsionin për të zhvilluar mjedise për të ruajtur gazin natyror në Shqipëri për të siguruar më tej sigurinë e furnizimit gjatë çdo ndërprerjeje operacionale të furnizimit me gaz.. Aksionerët e TAP-it janë Axpo i Zvicrës (42.5%), Statoil i Norvegjisë (42.5%) dhe E.ON Ruhrgas i Gjermanisë (15%). Për informacione të mëtejshme dhe foto nga ceremonia e nënshkrimit të IGA-s, lutemi kontaktoni në: media@tap-ag.com Më shumë mbi TAP:
www.tap-ag.com]]> Frontpage News 2013 Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:00:00 +0100 Approaching the homestretch in the race for Caspian gas, Kjetil Tungland http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/378/ When the first Shah Deniz gas becomes available in 2018, we will be ready to receive it. The world of energy is changing at an unprecedented pace.  As we look ahead to 2013, that change appears to be both fundamental and inexorable. Many governments in Europe have stepped back from previous commitments to nuclear and realized that immediate prospects for renewables appear less encouraging. By contrast, the outlook for the global gas industry in the long term is quite positive.  The shale gas boom in the US has brought down the price of energy for the first time in years, helping to stimulate economic recovery.  While shale may not have the same ‘game-changing’ impact in Europe, the continent is now closer than ever to diversifying its own sources of gas supply. The development of the Southern Gas Corridor will be key to this transformation, delivering natural gas from the Caspian basin to western markets.  2012 has seen huge progress for the Southern Gas Corridor as a whole and for the Trans Adriatic Pipeline in particular. Looking back over the past year, there have been many highlights:
  • In February, we were the first pipeline to be pre-selected by the Shah Deniz Consortium and entered into exclusive negotiations for the ‘southern’ route, to transport gas to Italy.
  • Later that year in June, Azerbaijan and Turkey signed the necessary Intergovernmental Agreement and Host Government Agreement to implement the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), which will create a stable and secure transportation infrastructure for gas across Turkey to the border with Greece.  TAP has been designed to interconnect seamlessly with TANAP.
  • Cooperation with the Shah Deniz Consortium has been excellent.  In June, Shah Deniz partners signed a Cooperation Agreement with TAP, followed in August by a Funding and Option agreement to finance part of TAP and potentially to take up to a 50% equity stake in the project. Finally, in November last year TAP shareholders and the Shah Deniz partners SOCAR, BP and Total concluded the Shareholder Agreement defining how the TAP Joint Venture would be governed with members of the Shah Deniz Consortium, if TAP is selected by Shah Deniz this year.
  • In September 2012, the Governments of Italy, Greece and Albania confirmed their political support for the project by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New York.
  • Finally, in December 2012, Albania granted TAP the status of a project of ‘national importance’.
If 2012 was a big year for TAP, I am certain that 2013 will prove to be even more momentous. We had a great start to the year marked by the initialling of the Host Government Agreement with Albania. In addition, we are continuing to progress a Host Government Agreement with Greece and hope to have this signed soon. In the meantime, another imminent milestone is for the three governments - Italy, Albania and Greece - to sign a fully-fledged Intergovernmental Agreement. This will provide a formal foundation for the co-operation between our host countries. A great deal of effort has already gone into securing this agreement and we are confident that it will be finalised shortly. After we submit our “Decision Support Package” on the 31st of March 2013, we will await the Shah Deniz Consortium’s decision over which pipeline will win the right to transport the gas in the Southern Gas Corridor in June. Assuming that TAP is the chosen pipeline project that wins the bid to transport Shah Deniz gas to Europe, more important milestones lay ahead, including TAP’s Resolution to Construct, which will be made in September 2013 - one month, before Shah Deniz take their Final Investment Decision. I am confident that TAP will submit a compelling bid to the Shah Deniz Consortium in March and that, as a result, we will be chosen as their preferred and final pipeline option. And my reasons remain the same: the unmatched technical and commercial expertise of our shareholders; our position as the only pipeline that is not dependent on public money; the political support we enjoy; the early stage at which we have completed our agreements with the Shah Deniz consortium; the fact that our route is the shortest, most economical and most direct to the largest European markets; and the steady progress that we have continued to make over the last year.  Besides this, the TAP pipeline is now the largest and most strategic of the two proposed pipelines bringing Shah Deniz gas from TANAP to European markets. Nevertheless, until June, when selection is made, we will continue to work closely together, and put all our energy and effort into providing the necessary input that will become the deciding factors for success!  TAP is a pioneering project, technically and economically robust, agile and adaptable, more than ready to meet the challenges of our past-paced and ever-changing energy world.  When the first Shah Deniz gas becomes available in 2018, we will be ready to receive it.                                                                                                 Kjetil Tungland]]> News 2013 Frontpage Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:31:00 +0100 Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) begins pre-qualification process for steel producers http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/377/ TAP has reached an advanced stage in its project development and begins a pre-qualification... TAP has reached an advanced stage in its project development and begins a pre-qualification process, inviting steel pipe producers to an expression of interest, in preparation for construction. TAP and E.ON New Build & Technology (ENT), who are conducting the onshore engineering for the TAP project, will be implementing a two staged pre-qualification process beginning on the 1st of February 2013. Steel pipe suppliers who wish to apply, are required to demonstrate that they will be able to produce the steel volumes needed, on time and according to TAP’s specifications. TAP will require approximately 400’000 tonnes of steel pipe to lay approximately 800 km of 48 inch pipeline, over a three year construction period. Sigurd Hamre, Project Development Director of TAP, said: “The main goal of the prequalification is to ensure that there are enough high quality steel pipes available on the market when TAP starts construction in 2015. TAP is therefore beginning the pre-qualification for steel pipes in advance of its final investment decision, in order to remain fully aligned with the Shah Deniz II gas field development in Azerbaijan.” TAP is currently in the front-end engineering design stage (FEED) awaiting final decision of the Shah Deniz Consortium on its preferred gas transportation solution to Europe. Should TAP be selected by mid-June 2013, it will be able to start construction in 2015 with the first gas flowing by the end of 2018. TAP will construct the pipeline in line with the highest health and safety standards. To find all technical details of the pre-qualification process for interested suppliers, please go to: www.tap-ag.com/prequalification ENDS About TAP The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year. TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent to further ensure security of supply during any operationa l interruption of gas deliveries. The TAP route will be approximately 800 kilometres in length (Approx.: Greece 478 km; Albania 209 km; offshore Adriatic Sea 105 km; Italy 5 km). TAP’s highest elevation point will be 1800 metres in Albania’s mountains, while its lowest part offshore will be at 810 metres of depth.
The onshore part of the pipeline will have a diameter of 48 inches (1.2 metres), while the diameter of the offshore segment will be 36 inches (0.91 metres.) For further information, please contact:
media@tap-ag.com More about TAP:
www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com]]> Frontpage News 2013 Fri, 01 Feb 2013 14:48:00 +0100 Trans Adriatic Pipeline welcomes Greek Government support http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/375/ Greek PM Antonis Samaras confirms TAP as a key strategic project for the country at meeting with... Greek PM Antonis Samaras confirms TAP as a key strategic project for the country at meeting with shareholders
 
 Trans Adriatic Pipeline today welcomed the Greek government’s reiteration of support for the project as one of major importance for Greece and for the EU’s energy strategy at a meeting between the country’s Prime Minister Antonis Samaras and representatives from the Trans Adriatic Pipeline's (TAP) international shareholders and senior management.
 
Prime Minister Samaras, Foreign Minister Dimitris Avramopoulos, Deputy Minister of Development, Notis Mitarachi and Deputy Energy Minister Makis Papageorgiou met with TAP Managing Director Kjetill Tungland; Mr Markus Brokhof, Member of the Management Board, Axpo Trading; Mr. Oliver Giese, Senior Vice President Infrastructure Management, EON; Mr. Bjarne Bull-Berg, Vice President Business Development, Statoil; Mr. Rikard Scoufias, TAP Country Manager for Greece, and Mr Stathis Theodoropoulos, TAP Senior Advisor.
 
TAP Managing Director Kjetil Tungland said: “We very much welcome the Greek government’s continued support, which strengthens the Greek route’s chances as the date for a decision on the Southern Gas Corridor draws closer. We especially thank Prime Minister Samaras himself for the invaluable support he has given.” Speaking on behalf of TAP’s shareholders, Axpo Trading's Markus Brokhof, said: “We are proud of the seamless cooperation between Greece and TAP in a project that will help deliver Direct Foreign Investment, employment opportunities and invaluable economic benefits to the country.”
Statoil's Bjarne Bull-Berg commented, “We are thankful to the Prime Minister’s support to TAP's efforts to realise the Greek route which will strengthen Greece's strategic role in Europe's strategic agenda for security of supply. Our commitment to Greece and TAP has always been, and remains firm.” E.ON Ruhrgas's Oliver Giese said: "Once the investment decision is taken the realization of TAP will be one of the biggest projects ever undertaken in the region and we are proud to be working with Greece. TAP and its shareholders are committed to undertaking the TAP project’s development implementing the highest safety and environmental standards set by the European Bank for Development and Reconstruction." Rikard Scoufias, TAP Country Manager in Greece, said: “Today's meeting is another important step in the positive collaboration between TAP and the Greek Government. We are very pleased that as international investors in Greece, we are able to play a major role in supporting Greece's economic growth.” At 1.5 billion Euros, TAP would constitute one of the largest current Foreign Direct Investments (FDI) in Greece.
 
TAP is competing to deliver gas from Azerbaijan into Europe, with a final selection of the gas transportation route expected June 2013 by the Shah Deniz consortium in Azerbaijan. TAP is the only pipeline option that will go through Greece.
 
About TAP
 
The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea.
 
The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year. TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities to further ensure security of supply during any operational interruption of gas deliveries.
 
TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%).
 
For further information, please contact:
media@tap-ag.com
 
More about TAP:
www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com
http://twitter.com/tap_pipeline]]> News 2013 Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:38:00 +0100 Trans Adriatic Pipeline receives resounding political endorsement from Host Countries http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/374/ Governments confirm the strategic importance of TAP at the World Economic Forum in Davos,... Governments confirm the strategic importance of TAP at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland Senior ministers from the Governments of Greece, Italy and Switzerland yesterday confirmed their countries’ strategic interest in the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).  At a high level meeting with representatives of the pipeline in Davos, Italian Minister for Economic Development Corrado Passera, Greek Deputy Minister of Economic Development Notis Mitarachi and Director of Swiss Federal Office of Energy Walter Steinmann again reiterated their commitment to the realisation of the TAP. Also in attendance were the President of SOCAR, Rovnag Abdullayev, the Chairman of the Board of Management of E.ON Ruhrgas AG, Klaus Schäfer, and CEO of Axpo Trading AG, Hans Schulz. Kjetil Tungland, Managing Director of TAP, commented: "We met in Davos to discuss the tremendous progress that TAP has made in the last few months, including concluding the Host Government Agreement with the Albanian Government on the 18th of January 2013.”  Hans Schulz, Chairman of Axpo Trading and Chairman of the TAP Board of Directors, said: “As shareholders in TAP we continue to strive to conclude all the necessary agreements with the Shah Deniz Consortium.  In November 2012 we finalized the last in a trio of agreements – the Shareholder Agreement.  TAP already concluded the Cooperation Agreement in June 2012 and the Funding and Equity Agreement in August, again demonstrating how far advanced the project is.” Klaus Schäfer, Chairman of the Board of Management of E.ON Ruhrgas AG, added: “I believe that with the voiced support of the host countries TAP is now in a strong position to win the bid in June 2013. I very much look forward to the conclusion of TAP’s Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA), due to be signed by the governments of Greece, Albania and Italy in February this year.” Rovnag Abdulayev, President of SOCAR, commented: “I am very pleased to witness the strong commitment from all three governments to progress TAP. I believe the host governments of Italy, Greece and Albania are doing their utmost to expedite the agreements and permits necessary to make TAP a reality.” TAP will open the Southern Gas Corridor and contribute to the diversification of gas supplies to Europe. Gas transported via the pipeline will also be available on the Swiss market and beyond, significantly increasing security of supply for European consumers. By mid-2013 the Shah Deniz consortium will make the final selection on their preferred gas transportation solution to Europe. About TAP The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into Western Europe.  The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets.  TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian. The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year.  TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Albania to further ensure security of supply during any operational interruption of gas deliveries.
TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). For further information, please contact:
media@tap-ag.com]]> News 2013 Fri, 25 Jan 2013 16:19:00 +0100 TAP submits Environmental and Social Impact Assessment to the Albanian government http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/370/ On the 21st of January 2013 TAP officially submitted its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment... On the 21st of January 2013 TAP officially submitted its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) for the Albanian section of the proposed natural gas pipeline to the National Licensing Centre in Albania. TAP with a group of Albanian and international experts developed the comprehensive ESIA report in accordance with the Albanian law and in compliance with the Environmental and Social Policy of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The objective of the ESIA is to assess potential impacts of the pipeline project on the environment, cultural heritage and socio-economic development and to propose measures in order to avoid, reduce or mitigate negative impacts. The TAP pipeline will transport gas from Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further to Western Europe. Albanian section of the TAP pipeline will start at Bilisht Qendër in Korça region at the Albanian-Greek border. The landfall for the onshore part of the Albanian section will be located in the coastal area north of Fier. The total length of the TAP’s onshore section in Albania will be about 209 km and 60 km offshore in the Albanian section of the Adriatic Sea. TAP is currently disclosing the full ESIA document to all affected communities along the pipeline route to make sure that their views and concerns are incorporated in the pipeline project development. TAP has already disclosed the non-technical summary and relevant information on ESIA report to the residents of 83 communities in Korça, Skrapar, Berat, and Fier regions and to Albanian NGOs. Local governments were also involved in the consultation process - TAP discussed the report with 38 councils of the affected communes and they expressed support for the project. In addition, local authorities in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Water Administration will organize a number public hearings on TAP’s ESIA by the end of February. The exact dates of these regional meetings will be announced in the local media. Albert Haak, TAP’s Country Office Director for Albania, said: “The submission of the ESIA to the government of Albania is a great achievement for TAP. Several years of hard work on the pipeline route refinement and analysis resulted in this comprehensive and detailed ESIA report of about 4000 pages. We are now making every effort to present the it to the local communities and request their opinion. So far, the feedback has been very constructive and the project enjoys wide support.” Once TAP’s ESIA application has been disclosed and discussed, TAP expects to receive approval of the ESIA and respective environmental permit from the Albanian government in the next few months. How to provide comments: TAP will be accepting comments from public on the ESIA Albania report until 30th of April 2013. Any member of the affected community can review the ESIA report for Albania and provide their comments. TAP provides several options for doing this: 1) Download electronic version of the submitted ESIA application. Download report in English >> Downloand report in Albanian >> Provide your feedback or questions on ESIA by email: esia-comments@tap-ag.com 2) Visit your local government office and request to review a hard copy of TAP’s ESIA report. Submit your feedback or questions to the provided “Comments box”, which will be collected by TAP. About TAP The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline plans to transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year. TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Albania to further ensure security of supply during any operational interruption of gas deliveries. Currently, TAP is waiting to be selected as the preferred gas transportation solution by Shah Deniz Consortium in Azerbaijan in 2013. Once the final investment decision on the pipeline is made and all necessary approvals received, TAP will start the construction (expected in 2015). TAP proposed route in Albania TAP’s route in Albania was identified during extensive pipeline route refinement studies in 2009- 2012. In particular, special consideration was given to the avoidance of sensitive natural habitats. Albanian section of the TAP pipeline will start at Bilisht Qendër in Korça region at the Albanian-Greek border. The landfall for the onshore part will be located in the coastal area north of Fier. TAP pipeline in Albania will be about 209 km long onshore and 60 km offshore in the Albanian section of the Adriatic Sea. TAP will be one of the largest foreign direct investments in Albania and it will help to develop the country’s energy infrastructure and thereby foster economic growth by creating employment and developing local skills. For media enquiries, please contact:
Media@tap-ag.com]]> Frontpage News 2013 Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:15:00 +0100 Trans Adriatic Pipeline concludes Shareholder Agreement with SOCAR, BP and Total http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/369/ TAP and its shareholders – Axpo, Statoil and E.ON – have concluded a Shareholder Agreement with... TAP and its shareholders – Axpo, Statoil and E.ON – have concluded a Shareholder Agreement with three members of the Shah Deniz Consortium: SOCAR, BP and Total. The Shareholder Agreement, finalised and initialled by all parties, stipulates how the TAP Joint Venture will be governed by an enlarged shareholder group comprising of Statoil, E.ON, Axpo, SOCAR, BP and Total as shareholders.    The Shareholder Agreement will take effect once SOCAR, BP and Total decide to exercise their options to join the TAP Joint Venture, taking a combined stake of up to 50% in TAP AG. The TAP project is one of the key elements of the broader Southern Gas Corridor value chain, which, along with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) and the South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP), will transport Shah Deniz Stage 2 gas from Baku to the European Union.  The Shah Deniz Consortium expects to make a final decision on the preferred European gas transportation solution by mid-2013. Kjetil Tungland, Managing Director of TAP, said: “I am pleased that members of the Shah Deniz Consortium, TAP and its shareholders were able to agree on the principles of a future Joint Venture. Having SOCAR, BP and Total entering the TAP Joint Venture would considerably strengthen the shareholder constellation of our pipeline project and I look forward to this becoming a reality in the future.  The Shareholder Agreement is yet another important milestone demonstrating TAP’s relative advanced position compared to alternative pipeline routes, following the signing of the Cooperation Agreement, Option and Funding Agreements, in June and August 2012 respectively. I look forward to continuing the same close cooperation with the Shah Deniz Consortium throughout the course of 2013.”   About TAP The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea. The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year. TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Albania to further ensure security of supply during any operational interruption of gas deliveries. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). For further information, please contact:
media@tap-ag.com]]> Frontpage News 2013 Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:48:00 +0100 TAP congratulates Azerbaijan and Turkey on the ratification of the TANAP agreement http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/368/ Trans Adriatic Pipeline is looking forward to continuing excellent cooperation with TANAP Trans Adriatic Pipeline is looking forward to continuing excellent cooperation with TANAP Kjetil Tungland, Managing Director, Trans Adriatic Pipeline, said today:  “TAP congratulates both Azerbaijan and Turkey on ratifying this important agreement which are significant steps in realising the Southern Gas Corridor. TANAP is a crucial link in the whole of the Southern Gas Corridor value chain and we very much look forward to continuing our excellent cooperation with TANAP, as both our projects continue to mature." Questions? media@tap-ag.com More about Trans Adriatic Pipeline: www.tap-ag.com More about the topic: Azerbaijani president approves agreement on TANAP gas pipeline http://en.trend.az/capital/energy/2109759.html ]]> News 2013 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:19:00 +0100 The Albanian Government and TAP agree the contents of a Host Government Agreement http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/365/ On 18th January 2013, the Albanian Ministry of Economy, Trade and Energy and the Trans Adriatic... On 18th January 2013, the Albanian Ministry of Economy, Trade and Energy and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline project (TAP) initialed a Host Government Agreement (HGA), thereby formally securing the contents of the HGA, prior to ratification in the coming months. The Host Government Agreement sets out the parameters of engagement between TAP and the Albanian Government as the project progresses. Included in the contents of the HGA are agreed processes on the implementation of: - TAP’s Land Easement and Acquisition Process
- TAP’s Permitting Process
- The implementation of Technical & Safety Standards
- The implementation of Environmental, Social, and Community Health & Safety Standards In addition, TAP has also agreed to provide technical support for the development of the local Albanian gas market. TAP intends to implement the project in accordance with the Performance Requirements of the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development. TAP is one of the largest planned foreign investments in Albania of approximately 1 bln Euros. During construction TAP will bring employment to the country in many areas such as transport and communications, manufacturing and utilities, trade, financial and business services. It will also contribute to the development of infrastructure in the country such as roads. TAP will be key in the development of an Albanian gas market as it provides critical infrastructure that will enable Albania to connect to regional gas networks. Further benefits to the Albanian economy, and more widely to society, will be derived from TAP’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme. Kjetil Tungland, TAP's Managing Director, stated: "I am delighted to have agreed upon the contents of a Host Government Agreement and would like to thank the Albanian Government for their commitment in progressing our mutual cooperation, as well as the strong support they continue to show towards the TAP project. This is another great step forward in the realization and development of TAP, which will contribute to advancement of Albania’s gas market." TAP will take natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II development in Azerbaijan, via Greece and Albania, across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy, allowing further transport into Western Europe. In addition, TAP will include exit points along its route to allow connection to local and regional gas markets. Designed to expand the transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year, TAP will open up the so-called Southern Gas Corridor, which will enhance Europe's energy security by contributing to the diversification of the region's gas supplies. ### About TAP The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline plans to transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year. TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Albania to further ensure security of supply during any operational interruption of gas deliveries. Currently, TAP is waiting to be selected as the preferred gas transportation solution by Shah Deniz Consortium in Azerbaijan in 2013. Once the final investment decision on the pipeline is made and all necessary approvals received, TAP will start the construction (expected in 2015). TAP proposed route in Albania TAP’s route in Albania was identified during extensive pipeline route refinement studies in 2009- 2012. In particular, special consideration was given to the avoidance of sensitive natural habitats. Albanian section of the TAP pipeline will start at Bilisht Qendër in Korça region at the Albanian-Greek border. The landfall for the onshore part will be located in the coastal area north of Fier. TAP pipeline in Albania will be about 209 km long onshore and 60 km offshore in the Albanian section of the Adriatic Sea.
TAP will be one of the largest foreign direct investments in Albania and it will help to develop the country’s energy infrastructure and thereby foster economic growth by creating employment and developing local skills. For media enquiries, please contact:
Media@tap-ag.com ------ Qeveria Shqiptare dhe TAP bien dakord mbi përmbajtjen e Marrëveshjes së Qeverisë Pritëse Më 18 janar 2013, Ministria Shqiptare e Ekonomisë, Tregtisë dhe Energjisë dhe Projekti i Gazsjellësit Trans Adriatik (Trans Adriatic Pipeline project (TAP)) filluan një Marrëveshje të Qeverisë Pritëse (MQP) duke siguruar kështu zyrtarisht përmbajtjen e MQP-së përpara se ajo të ratifikohet në muajt e ardhshëm. Marrëveshja e Qeverisë Pritëse përcakton parametrat e angazhimit ndërmjet TAP dhe Qeverisë Shqiptare ndërsa projekti ecën përpara. Ajo për ç’ka është rënë dakord në Marrëveshjen e Qeverisë pritëse përfshin zbatimin e: - Procesit të Lehtësimit dhe Blerjes së Tokës nga TAP
- Procesit të Lejimit të TAP
- Standardeve Teknike dhe të Sigurisë
- Standardeve Mjedisore, Sociale dhe Shëndetit e Sigurisë së Komunitetit
 
TAP synon ta zbatojë projektin në pajtim me Kërkesat e Performancës së Bankës Evropiane për Rindërtim dhe Zhvillim. Përkrah rënies dakord të përmbajtjes së MQP, TAP ka rënë dakord edhe që të ofrojë mbështetje teknike për zhvillimin e tregut vendor shqiptar të gazit. TAP është një nga investimet e huaja të planifikuara më të mëdha në Shqipëri prej afërsisht 1 miliardë euro. Gjatë ndërtimit të tubacionit, TAP do të sjellë punësim në shumë fusha në vend, të tilla si në ndërtim, transportim e komunikim, prodhim dhe shërbime komunale, tregti, shërbime financiare dhe biznes. Do të kontribuojë gjithashtu edhe në zhvillimin e infrastrukturës në vend, si për shembull për rrugët. TAP do të jetë kyç në zhvillimin e një tregu shqiptar të gazit pasi ofron infrastrukturën kritike e cila do të mundësojë Shqipërinë të lidhet me rrjetet rajonale të gazit. Përfitime të tjera të ekonomisë shqiptare dhe më të gjerësishme për shoqërinë do të dalin nga programi i Përgjegjësisë Sociale të Korporatës së TAP-it. Kjetil Tungland, Drejtori Menaxhues i TAP, tha: “Unë janë tejet i kënaqur që kemi rënë dakord mbi përmbajtjen e Marrëveshjes së Qeverisë Pritëse dhe doja të falënderoja Qeverinë Shqiptare për angazhimin e saj në shtytjen përpara të bashkëpunimit tonë të përbashkët, si dhe për mbështetjen e fortë që vazhdon të tregojë ndaj projektit TAP. Ky është një hap tjetër i madh drejt realizimit dhe zhvillimit të TAP, që do të kontribuojë në ecjen përpara të tregut shqiptar të gazit.” TAP do të marrë gaz natyror nga zhvillimi gjigant në Shah Deniz II në Azerbajxhan, nëpërmjet Greqisë dhe Shqipërisë, nëpër detin Adriatik në Italinë jugore, duke lejuar transportin e mëtejshëm në Evropën Perëndimore. Për më tepër, TAP do të përfshijë pika të daljes gjatë rrugës për të lejuar lidhjen me tregjet vendore dhe rajonale të gazit. Projektuar për të zgjeruar kapacitetin e transportimit nga 10 në 20 bcm në vit, TAP do të hapë të ashtuquajturin Korridorin Jugor të Gazit, i cili do të përmirësojë sigurinë e energjisë së Evropës duke kontribuar në zgjerimin e furnizimit të gazit në rajon. ### Rreth projektit TAP Gazsjellësi Trans Adriatik (TAP) është një projekt i tubacionit të gazit natyror. Tubacioni planifikon të transportojë gaz nga rajoni Kaspik nëpërmjet Greqisë dhe Shqipërisë përmes detit Adriatik në Italinë jugore dhe më tej në Evropën Perëndimore. Projekti synon të përmirësojë sigurinë e furnizimit si dhe zgjerimin e furnizimit me gaz për tregjet Evropiane. TAP do të hapë të ashtuquajturin Korridor Jugor të Gazit për në Evropë dhe do të krijojë një treg të ri për gazin natyror nga deti Kaspik. Aksionerët e TAP-it janë Axpo i Zvicrës (42.5%), Statoil i Norvegjisë (42.5%) dhe E.ON Ruhrgas i Gjermanisë (15%). Projekti është hartuar të zgjerojë kapacitetin e transportimit nga 10 në 20 bcm në vit. TAP ka planifikuar edhe rrjedhjen e kundërt fizike deri në 80 përqind dhe opsionin për të zhvilluar mjedise për të ruajtur gazin natyror në Shqipëri për të siguruar më tej sigurinë e furnizimit gjatë çdo ndërprerjeje operacionale të furnizimit me gaz. Aktualisht, TAP po pret që të zgjidhet si zgjedhja e preferuar e transportimit të gazit nga Konsortiumi Shah Deniz në Azerbajxhan në vitin 2013. Pasi të jetë marrë vendimi përfundimtar për investimin e tubacionit dhe të jenë marrë të gjitha miratimet, TAP do të fillojë ndërtimin (pritet që kjo të ndodhë në vitin 2015). Rruga e propozuar për TAP në Shqipëri Rruga e TAP në Shqipëri është identifikuar gjatë studimeve të rafinimit të rrugës së tubacionit gjatë 2009-2012. Në veçanti, një vëmendje e veçantë i është kushtuar shmangies së habitateve natyrore sensitive. Pjesa e Shqipërisë ku do të shtrihet tubacionit TAP do të fillojë në Bilisht Qendër në rajonin e Korçës në kufirin Shqiptaro-Grek. Fundi i tubacionit për pjesën tokësore do të jetë në zonën bregdetare në veri të Fierit. Gazsjellësi TAP në Shqipëri do të jetë rreth 209 km i gjatë në tokë dhe 60 km në det në pjesën shqiptare të detit Adriatik. TAP do të jetë një nga investimet e huaja më të mëdha të drejtpërdrejta në Shqipëri e do të ndihmojë në zhvillimin e infrastrukturës së energjisë së vendit dhe në këtë mënyrë do të ofrojë rritje ekonomike duke krijuar punësim dhe zhvillim të aftësive vendore. Për pyetjet nga media, ju lutemi kontaktoni:
Media@tap-ag.com Më shumë rreth TAP:
www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com]]> News 2013 Fri, 18 Jan 2013 15:20:00 +0100 TAP granted status of “National Importance” in Albania http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/363/ This clears the way for the drafting of the National Sectorial Plan for the TAP Project. The... Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is granted the status of “National Importance” by the National Territorial Council chaired by Albanian Prime Minister, Sali Berisha. This clears the way for the drafting of the National Sectorial Plan for the TAP Project. The drafting of this document will be led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Energy. Upon obtaining this status, the 500 meter wide corridor of the TAP project is declared a “national area”. Kjetil Tungland, Managing Director of TAP, said: “I am delighted that TAP has been recognised as a project of national importance for Albania. This is a great honour and I would like to thank the National Council and the Prime Minister himself for granting TAP such an important status. We will continue to work closely together with the Albanian government to realise TAP, a project that will facilitate the connection of Albania to Europe’s energy network.” TAP will be one of the largest foreign investments in Albania to date worth approximately 1 billion Euros. During construction of the pipeline, TAP will bring employment to the country - in construction, transport and communications, manufacturing and utilities, trade, financial and business services, as well as it will contribute to the development of key infrastructure in the country such as roads.  TAP will also provide opportunities for Albania to develop a domestic gas market and connections to regional gas networks. About TAP The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline will transport gas from the Shah Deniz field in Azerbaijan via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea. The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year. TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Albania to further ensure security of supply during any operational interruption of gas deliveries.
TAP is waiting to be selected as the preferred gas transportation solution by Shah Deniz Consortium in Azerbaijan in 2013. Once the final investment decision on the pipeline is made and all necessary approvals received, TAP will start the construction of the pipeline (expected in 2015).
TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%).
TAP in Albania
 TAP’s route in Albania was identified during extensive pipeline route refinement studies in 2009-2012. In particular, special consideration was given to the avoidance of sensitive natural habitats. TAP pipeline in Albania will be about 209 km long onshore and 60 km offshore in the Albanian section of the Adriatic Sea. TAP will be one of the largest foreign direct investments in Albania and it will help to develop the country’s energy infrastructure and thereby foster economic growth by creating employment and developing local skills. For media enquiries:  media@tap-ag.com More about TAP in Albanian: www.tap-ag.com/al ]]> Frontpage News 2012 Mon, 24 Dec 2012 09:00:00 +0100 Greece and TAP begin Host Government Agreement talks http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/362/ The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and the Greek government today formally initiated the process to... Note to the Editors: About TAP The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea. The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year. TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Albania to further ensure security of supply during any operational interruption of gas deliveries.
TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). For more information, please contact us at media@tap-ag.com www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com
www.twitter.com/tap_pipeline.com]]> News 2012 Wed, 19 Dec 2012 14:58:00 +0100 Trans Adriatic Pipeline plans offshore surveys in the Adriatic Sea http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/354/ TAP plans to start offshore surveys in the Adriatic Sea this winter. The goal is to collect... TAP plans to start offshore surveys in the Adriatic Sea this winter.  The goal is to collect additional data and samples to identify optimal offshore routing. TAP plans offshore surveys that will consist of various investigations along the proposed offshore pipeline route in the Adriatic Sea in international, Italian and Albanian waters. The purpose of these surveys is to conduct seabed mapping, identify potential obstacles along the route, as well as collect core samples of the seabed. Three vessels have been contracted by TAP to conduct these activities. The vessels will carry out work over short periods of time, lasting between one and three weeks at a time.  One of these vessels will be visible from the Italian and Albanian shores for approximately one week. It will be located at least 1000 meters away from the San Foca coast. These activities have been planned during this winter to avoid any impact on the busy summer tourist season. The surveys will be conducted ensuring minimal impact on environment. Giampaolo Russo, TAP's Country Manager for Italy, said: “TAP is still in the process of collecting detailed information and samples along the proposed pipeline route offshore and onshore to ensure that its route is the safest and has the least impact on the local environment. This is being carried out by leading experts in full compliance with the highest international standards.” TAP plans to conduct additional surveys in the coming months. The construction of the pipeline would start, should the Shah Deniz consortium in Azerbaijan select TAP as their priority gas transportation route to Italy. TAP section in Italy TAP’s Italian section will consist of a 45 km offshore pipeline and 5 km underground onshore pipeline stretching to a Pipeline Receiving Terminal (PRT) in the province of Lecce, near San Foca. At the PRT, TAP will tie-in with the Italian gas network, operated by Snam Rete Gas. The current route of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, with a landfall in the province of Lecce, has been identified after three years of intensive field work in Italy. A group of experienced Italian and international environmental, social and technical experts and engineering companies have analysed numerous alternatives and selected this route which avoids crossing environmentally sensitive areas and which minimises potential negative social or economic impacts. TAP proposed route in Albania TAP’s route in Albania was identified during extensive pipeline route refinement studies in 2009-2012. In particular, special consideration was given to the avoidance of sensitive natural habitats. TAP pipeline in Albania will be about 209 km long onshoreand 60 km offshore in the Albanian section of the Adriatic Sea. TAP will be one of the largest foreign direct investments in Albania and it will help to develop the country’s energy infrastructure and thereby foster economic growth by creating employment and developing local skills. Past offshore surveys In the period from October 2011 until February  2012 TAP has conducted a “near shore” survey at the proposed landfall section of the pipeline in Italy. The pipeline will be built using state-of-the-art micro-tunneling technology in order to respect marine wild-life (Posidonia sea grass) and not to contribute to coastal erosion. About TAP The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea. The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year. TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Albania to further ensure security of supply during any operational interruption of gas deliveries. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%).
Do you have a question about TAP section in Italy? Visit www.conoscitap.it ]]> News 2012 Wed, 19 Dec 2012 09:35:00 +0100 TAP hires Senior Regional Stakeholder Advisor for Italy – Professor Ernesto Somma http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/353/ TAP has hired Professor Ernesto Somma as Senior Regional Stakeholder Advisor to work in Puglia for... TAP has hired Professor Ernesto Somma as Senior Regional Stakeholder Advisor to work in Puglia for the TAP project to work closely with the Local Authorities in the region of Puglia and focus on strengthening the awareness and understanding of the TAP project.   Professor Somma, holds a PhD and M.sc in Economics and brings with him a wealth of experience and expertise and understanding of working for and with local and regional government in the Puglia region.  Achieving a successful track record in academia, - working as a researcher and in advisory roles for the University of Bari and other international universities in the UK and US - Professor Somma has also worked extensively for the Puglia Region as an Expert and Advisor on many/a multitude of Projects and Committees.  These roles include for example, being a member of and acting as an advisor and expert to the Evaluation Committee for Public Investment Programmes and projects, and evaluating the reform and regulation concerning State Aids for the Inter-institutional Committee for regions and provinces. Most recent roles have included Coordinator on the PORE project (Programme for the opportunities of the regions in EU under the Presidency of the Italian Councils of Ministries) and Coordinator of the Technical Secretariat of the Ministry for the relations with the regions and cohesion policies, where Professor Somma was in charge of the preparation of the National Plan for the Development of Southern Italy. During his career, Professor Somma has also worked as a Director of the Joint Technical Secretariat for the implementation of the INTERREG III-A Italia-Albania Programme, been a Member of the Board of Directors for the Agency for the Diffusion of Innovation Technologies and for Ansaldo Breda – Finmeccanica Group.  In addition, Professor Somma is the President of the Management Board for Studiare Sviluppo, the in-house company of the Ministry of Economy and Finance, established to support the implementation of national and EU funded socio and economic development programmes. In parallel, Professor Somma, continues to pursue his academic career, lecturing in Industrial Economics at the University of Bari, where he also acts as the Coordinator of the Doctoral School in Business, Economic and Statistical Studies.  Giampaolo Russo, TAP's Country Manager for Italy, said: “I would like to welcome Professor Somma to TAP and look forward to working closely with him. I am delighted that we will be able to draw on Professor Somma’s considerable knowledge gained from working over many years for and with the region of Puglia.  I am sure his expertise and experience will help to bring TAP and local authorities closer together as the TAP project moves forward in its development.  I would like to thank Antonio De Nigris for his contribution to the TAP project and wish him well in his future endeavors. TAP offers Italy the only chance to become part of the Southern Gas Corridor. ” TAP section in Italy TAP’s Italian section will consist of a 45 km offshore pipeline and 5 km onshore underground pipeline stretching to a Pipeline Receiving Terminal (PRT) in the province of Lecce, near San Foca. At the PRT, TAP will tie-in with the Italian gas network, operated by Snam Rete Gas. The current route of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, with a landfall in the province of Lecce, has been identified after three years of intensive field work in Italy. A group of experienced Italian and international environmental, social and technical experts and engineering companies have analysed numerous alternatives and selected this route which avoids crossing environmentally sensitive areas and which minimises potential negative social or economic impacts. About TAP The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea. The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year. TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Albania to further ensure security of supply during any operational interruption of gas deliveries. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%).
For further information, please contact media@tap-ag.com If you have a question or would like to know more about the TAP pipeline in Italy, please go to: www.conoscitap.it]]> News 2012 Tue, 18 Dec 2012 16:57:00 +0100 Italian Ministry of Environment grants TAP additional nine months to submit ESIA application http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/350/ TAP has agreed with the Italian Ministry of Environment to extend the suspension of its... TAP has agreed with the Italian Ministry of Environment to extend the suspension of its Environmental & Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) application in Italy for an additional nine months - until September 2013. As part of its commitment to an open and transparent ESIA disclosure process, TAP launched a stakeholder consultation last year that has involved talking with as many local people as possible, including authorities, municipalities, and local citizens living in and around the area of Lecce and San Foca. The consultation has attracted significant interest and TAP is continuing to receive feedback from many of its stakeholders. Extending the ESIA submission date will enable TAP to continue this important dialogue. Giampaolo Russo, TAP's Country Manager for Italy, said: “It is vital that TAP takes the necessary time to give appropriate consideration to all the comments received from our stakeholders. Delaying the ESIA application will give TAP additional time to continue this dialogue with all the authorities and local people in the region of Puglia with an interest in the project and to fully take their feedback into account. In the meantime, I would like to thank the Ministry of Environment and also the authorities in Puglia for their support and understanding and look forward to continuing our cooperation going forward.” TAP submitted its ESIA application earlier in March this year to the Ministry of Environment. Following this, TAP voluntarily suspended its application in order to gather further information that had been requested, and rescheduled necessary work to take place outside of the summer months to respect San Foca’s main tourist season. TAP will now submit this additional information by the latest, in September 2013.  TAP section in Italy TAP’s Italian section will consist of a 45 km offshore pipeline and 5 km onshore underground pipeline stretching to a Pipeline Receiving Terminal (PRT) in the province of Lecce, near San Foca. At the PRT, TAP will tie-in with the Italian gas network, operated by Snam Rete Gas. The current route of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline, with a landfall in the province of Lecce, has been identified after three years of intensive field work in Italy. A group of Italian and international environmental, social and technical experts and engineering companies have analysed numerous alternatives and selected this route which avoids crossing environmentally sensitive areas and which minimises potential negative social or economic impacts. About TAP The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea. The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year. TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Albania to further ensure security of supply during any operational interruption of gas deliveries. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). For further information, please contact:
media@tap-ag.com If you have a question or would like to know more about the TAP pipeline in Italy, please go to: www.conoscitap.it ]]> Frontpage News 2012 Mon, 17 Dec 2012 15:39:00 +0100 TAP presents Environmental and Social Impact Assessment to communities in Albania http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/345/ As part of its stakeholder engagement activities, TAP is disclosing the contents of the ESIA report... As part of its stakeholder engagement activities, TAP is disclosing the contents of the ESIA report to the local communities in Albania. Residents of areas potentially affected by the pipeline are invited to provide their views and comments, which will be incorporated in the project development.
The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The TAP pipeline will transport gas from Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further to western Europe. TAP will enter Albania from Greece at Bilisht Qender in Korça region. The landfall will be located in the coastal area north of Fier. After several years of route selection and refinement in Albania, TAP has completed its Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and is preparing to submit the document to the Albanian authorities. The ESIA process has been carried out and the report drafted by a group of Albanian and international experts in accordance with the Albanian law and in compliance with the Environmental and Social Policy of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). The objective of the ESIA is to assess the potential impacts of the project on the environment, cultural heritage and socio-economic resources and to design measures to avoid, reduce or mitigate negative impacts. In this framework, TAP is now disclosing the ESIA document to all affected communities along the pipeline route to make sure that views of local stakeholders on impacts and mitigation measures can be incorporated in the pipeline project development. The TAP team will organise 22 ESIA disclosure meetings in Albania in the coming weeks. The meetings with local communities will start on the 19th November in the eastern Albania (Korça District) and they will finish on the 7th of December in western Albania (Fier District). A public announcement with the details of date and location of the meetings is published by the local media. On December 8th, TAP will also organise a meeting with NGOs in Tirana. TAP started its official ESIA submission process in Albania in April 2011 by submitting the ESIA Scoping Report to the Albanian authorities. TAP is preparing to submit its full Environmental and Social Impact Assessment Report at the beginning of 2013. Here is the link to the page with Non-technical Summary of the ESIA report which is being presented to the communities: http://www.tap-ag.com/esia/albania/nts (in English and Albanian). Albert Haak, TAP's Country Manager for Albania, said: “TAP is committed to open and transparent communication. We are looking forward to present this important document to the communities in Albania and to listen to their feedback. It is important for us to develop this pipeline in continuous dialogue with them, making sure that all concerns are addressed and all questions are answered.” TAP proposed route in Albania TAP’s route in Albania was identified during extensive pipeline route refinement studies in 2009-2012. In particular, special consideration was given to the avoidance of sensitive natural habitats. TAP pipeline in Albania will be about 209 km long onshore and 60 km offshore in the Albanian section of the Adriatic Sea. TAP will be one of the largest foreign direct investments in Albania and it will help to develop the country’s energy infrastructure and thereby foster economic growth by creating employment and developing local skills. TAP is waiting to be selected as the preferred gas transportation solution by Shah Deniz Consortium in Azerbaijan in 2013. Once the final investment decision on the pipeline is made and all necessary approvals received, TAP will start the construction (expected in 2015). TAP welcomes any feedback or questions on ESIA from local residents by email: esia-comments@tap-ag.com]]> News 2012 Wed, 21 Nov 2012 13:45:00 +0100 New website to improve dialogue with the residents in Lecce province in Italy http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/347/ Conoscitap.it - TAP project information, development updates and sharing possibilities Conoscitap.it - TAP project information, development updates and sharing possibilities www.conoscitap.it is the new web site developed by Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) to expand and improve the already strong relationship with the communities ginthe province of Lecce, Italy. The new online portal will provide easier and faster access to project updates and information through a more intuitive interface. Additionally, a new section called “Do you have a question?” is designed to allow anyone to ask questions about the gas pipeline, with a landfall based near San Foca, delivering natural gas from the Caspian Sea to Italy and futher to western Europe.
 
The site www.conoscitap.it has five main sections dedicated to Internet visitors who want to get a closer look at the project: 1) About TAP – includes company information, benefits for Italy and the proposed routing 2) Environment – explains construction approaches adopted by TAP to protect  the environment 3) Engineering – technical aspects 4) Security – aherence to international standards on safety and security 5) Our contribution –  benefits for the Lecce area and commitment to dialogue with local communities.
 
Giampaolo Russo, TAP Country Manager, said: “We are very excited about www.conoscitap.it because it represents the next step in developing our relationship with the territory, a number one priority for us to which we have been focusing on strongly since January 2011 through our international site, with meetings and by developing connections with local communities. The new Italian platform is available to anyone who is interested in learning more about the project, receiving updates, asking questions and interacting directly with us”.
 
About the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)
 
The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project that will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to Southern Italy and further into Western Europe.
 
The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea and beyond.]]> News 2012 Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:57:00 +0100 TAP sponsors Albanian Gas Market Development Symposium in Tirana http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/343/ Highlighting opportunities for Albanian gasification. Live video streaming of the event. Agenda of the Gas Symposium >> Live video streaming of the Symposium: (9.00 -1.30 CET on 13.11.2012) http://www.ustream.tv/channel/tiranasymposium TAP will be one of the largest foreign investments in Albania, contributing significantly to Albania’s Gross Domestic Product during its construction and generating thousands of new jobs.  There will also be additional economic benefits, such as the need for local service suppliers, during the pipeline’s operational phase. About TAP The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project. The pipeline will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy and further into western Europe. Albanian section of TAP pipeline will be 204 km onshore and 60 km offshore in the Albanian section of the Adriatic Sea. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%).]]> News 2012 Mon, 12 Nov 2012 15:41:00 +0100 TAP strengthens its Italian team Giampaolo Russo appointed as Country Manager http://www.trans-adriatic-pipeline.com/news/news/detail-view/article/340/ The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has today strengthened its team in Italy with the appointment of... The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has today strengthened its team in Italy with the appointment of Giampaolo Russo, who takes position as TAP Italy’s Country Man-ager, effective 15 October 2012. Paul Pasteris, will continue to work for TAP and to develop the project in Italy. Giampaolo Russo is a senior executive who has developed a successful career in Corpo-rate and Financial Affairs. Following the completion of his studies in political sciences – specialising in economics - at the LUISS University of Rome, Giampaolo began his career at the Bank of Italy where he held a number of positions with a strong financial focus. During almost 17 years at the Bank of Italy, Giampaolo worked as the coordinator of the Financial Subcommittee of the Committee for the Euro, later going on to take the position of Financial Attaché at the Italian Permanent Representation in the European Union in Brussels. During his long-standing career, Giampaolo has developed strong relationships with many key stakeholders. He has held senior positions including working for ENEL, as Head of European and International Affairs, as well as joining Glaxo-SmithKline, where he was Director for Government Affairs. In 2007, Giampaolo joined Edison as Director for Public and Regulatory Affairs department, both at national and European level. For each of his positions at Glaxo-SmithKline and Edison, Giampaolo reported directly to the CEO. In 2012, Giampaolo joined Arthur D Little, Italy as a Senior Advisor. Kjetil Tungland, Managing Director for TAP said: “I would like to welcome Giampaolo Russo to TAP in Italy. Given his experience and seniority in the energy business, I believe that TAP has been further strengthened with experience and expertise required for a large and complex infrastructure project such as TAP. TAP is a project that underlines Italy’s role as a major gas market in Europe and is a project that can ensure that new sources of gas will reach Italy. This will increase Italy’s and Europe’s security of supply, as well as enhance competition in the market. At the same time, I would like to also thank Paul Pasteris for his hard work and achievements as Country Manager. I am happy that he will continue his efforts as part of our team in Italy to ensure that the project moves forward towards success.” About the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is a natural gas pipeline project that will transport gas from the Caspian region via Greece and Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to Southern Italy and further into Western Europe. The project is aimed at enhancing security of supply as well as diversification of gas supplies for the European markets. TAP will open a new so-called Southern Gas Corridor to Europe and establish a new market outlet for natural gas from the Caspian Sea and beyond. The project is designed to expand transportation capacity from 10 to 20 bcm per year. TAP also envisages physical reverse flow of up to 80 per cent and the option to develop natural gas storage facilities in Albania to further ensure security of supply. TAP’s transportation solution will be approximately 800 kilometres in length (Approx.: Greece 478 km; Albania 204 km; offshore Adriatic Sea 105 km; Italy 5 km). Transport will begin near the Greek-Turkish border (Komotini), cross Albania and the Adriatic Sea, and connect with the Italian natural gas distribution system near San Foca in Italy. TAP’s shareholders are Axpo of Switzerland (42.5%), Norway’s Statoil (42.5%) and E.ON Ruhrgas of Germany (15%). For more information, please visit our website or follow us on Twitter.
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