ESIA process begins for Albanian section of TAP

Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG has begun the formal Environmental and Social Impact Assessment process for the Albanian section of its pipeline with the submission of the scoping report.

The report includes a detailed description of the preferred route for the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) identified during extensive refinement studies in Albania in 2009–10. It also contains a comprehensive explanation of the possible environmental and social impacts of the chosen route and suitable mitigation measures. In particular, special consideration was given to the avoidance of sensitive natural habitats. As a direct result, TAP will bypass the Hotova National Park and the Vjosa river valley.

Entering from Greece at Miras in the Korça region, the Albanian section of the route stretches a total of 209 km to the coast, north-west of Fier. The offshore section will be 60 km in length, crossing the Adriatic Sea entering southern Italy.

In addition to having submitted the scoping report to the Albanian Government and a wide variety of stakeholders, non-government organisations and international development organisations such as the World Bank, GTZ and EBRD, proponent TAP AG has also organised a series of national and regional consultation meetings from 11–28 April. These sessions will take place in Tirana, Korça, Çorovoda, Berat and Fier.

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. The pipeline can facilitate Albania in meeting its domestic energy needs by bringing Caspian gas to the Albanian market and providing a stimulus for future gas infrastructure in the country.