TIRANA, January 12 /ATA/-The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), one of the most strategic projects in Europe, is completed in more than 90% of its work.
While announcing completion of more than 90% of the work on one of the major projects for Europe and especially for the Southeast where Albania is also the beneficiary, Prime Minister Edi Rama also published some data of the voluminous work.
“Just a little bit has remained. More than 90% has been completed even thanks to the fantastic work of the Albanian companies involved in this project: “Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). A few minute video footage that to amaze everyone and reinforces hope for the sustainable growth of our country’s economic power, ”said PM Rama.
Construction progress
More than 90% of the TAP project has been completed. This includes engineering, procurement procedures and construction. Almost all pipelines are located in the places where TAP passes. Compression stations and measuring stations in Greece and Albania have been set up. The gas terminal in Italy is completed up to 65% of it. The micro-tunnels in Albania and Italy have also been completed without affecting the environment. The pipe sections of Greece and Italy are connected.
Safety is a matter of key significance. 46 million working hours have been completed and 128 million miles have been traversed without any significant accident. The project’s damage incidence rate is 0.43, well below industry standards.
Offshore construction.
TAP has laid the first offshore pipes in Albania in the spring of 2019. Preparations for pipe laying (its 105km) are expected to begin.
Testing. TAP has successfully transported gas to pipelines in the Greek section. In the coming months, gas will be gradually transported through other sections of the pipeline to Greece and beyond. TAP is preparing to transport gas from Shah Deniz 2 in 2020. Market testing is expected to begin. Natural gas carriers may express interest in transporting additional capacity through TAP. This will enable the pipeline to expand in the future up to its initial capacity doubling.
Social and environmental investment program
TAP focuses on strengthening livelihoods. It envisages improvement of the quality of life, protection of the environment and provide of education and training in the participating countries. Since the end of October 2019, we have invested 25.5m Euros in 240 projects, in support of local communities.
The improvement of the living conditions. TAP implements the post-construction resettlement program with farmers. TAP has provided 38,000 seedlings and more than 600 tons of fertilizers to Greece and Albania.
Biological regeneration
So far, over 450,000 have been planted in Greece and over 200,000 in Albania.
Protection of cultural heritage.
We have protected the cultural heritage found along the way, highlighting the rich history of the participating states. More than 650 archaeologists and field professionals are employed. More than 560 excavations and archaeological excavations have been completed. We are proud of the progress as we move towards the completion of this strategic project. Once operational, TAP will help integrate and diversify Europe’s energy resources, contributing to energy security and a more sustainable energy production./z.tosku/j.p/p.s./
