Trans Adriatic Pipeline receives development permit in Albania

The Albanian National Territorial Council (KKT), chaired by Prime Minister Edi Rama, has granted the Compound Development Permit (CDP) Phase 1 for the Trans Adriatic Project (TAP). The CDP Phase 1 is one of the most important permits granted to TAP AG by the Albanian authorities, authorising TAP AG to start its construction activities in Albania.

The CDP Phase 1 is approved by the National Territorial Council (KKT), the highest authority in the country for territorial planning, and follows the provisions of the Law on Territorial Planning and the decision of the KKT for the approval of the National Sectorial Plan for TAP project on 4^th July 2013. The first permit for the entire TAP pipeline system shall be followed by a second phase, during which the CDP by the Ministry of Energy and Industry will be issued on an incremental basis for different sections and phases of the TAP pipeline system development in Albania.

The construction activities will start with the upgrade and construction of access roads and bridges in Albania in 2015 and this will be followed by the pipeline laying and construction of other facilities associated with the gas transportation infrastructure.

Shkelqim Bozgo, Country Manager of TAP Albania, said, “We are honoured to receive the approval of the highest Albanian authority on territorial planning, the National Territorial Council. This permit clears the way for the start of the construction activity for TAP in Albania. The meeting represents another major milestone in the excellent cooperation between the Albanian government and the TAP project and we look forward to working jointly in the future to make TAP a success.”

TAP will be one of the largest foreign investments in Albania with a cost of construction of around €1 billion. 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 – and will contribute to the development of key infrastructure in the country such as roads. TAP will also support Albania in developing its domestic gas market and connections to regional gas networks.

Adapted from press release by Rosalie Starling

Read the article online at: https://www.worldpipelines.com/business-news/09042014/trans_adriatic_project_receives_compound_development_permit_in_albania_201/