Albania presents Gas Master Plan

Albanian government presented on Wednesday the "Gas Master Plan for Albania," which is expected to be implemented until 2040.

Albanian Minister of Energy and Industry Damian Gjiknuri, noted the uncontested importance of gas as an alternative source necessary in the energy sector.

The master plan has identified the first beneficiary area in Albania that will be Ballsh Fier-Patos region, while Albania's gas sources should be used as there is growing interest in oil and gas in Albania.

"The master plan study takes into account the requirements for investment in the development of the gas transmission network, necessary for the gasification of the country expected for the period 2020-2040," Gjiknuri said, noting that Albania has enough gas sources to meet the needs of the domestic market.

He said that another immediate project is to put into operation the thermal power station in Vlora. "We are examining the scope for a Public-Private Partnership," he said.

Gjiknuri stated that according to the master plan, the first beneficiaries of the gas transmission network will be Fier and Ballsh areas and the second important area is the industrial area of Tirana-Durres.

According to the gas master plan, by 2020, gas consumption in Albania will reach 1.4 billion cubic meters, of which 551 million cubic meters will be used by families. The Gas master plan is funded by the World Bank in the amount of 1.1 million euros (1.2206 million U.S. dollars).

Albanian government said that the implementation of TAP will cost 1 billion U.S. dollars and is to bring 20,000 jobs. This investment is expected to encourage economy in general in the areas where it will pass. Endit