TAP AG, the consortium operating the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), which transports Azerbaijani natural gas to Europe, plans to commission a new gas transmission facility in Albania in the fourth quarter of 2027.
The project involves the construction of a gas metering facility and a pressure reduction station as part of the “Fier South” exit point in the Fier region of southern Albania.
TAP AG noted that the first phase of the pipeline’s expansion introduced approximately 1.04 billion cubic meters per year of additional long-term transmission capacity on the section between Kipoi and Italy starting from January 1, 2026.
In addition, around 0.16 billion cubic meters per year of additional long-term capacity for entry from the DESFA system and exit through the new Roskovec exit point in Albania has been allocated since October 1, 2026.
The “Fier South” project involves the construction of gas metering and pressure reduction infrastructure near the ACS03 gas compressor station close to Fier. Once construction is completed, the facility will be handed over to the Albanian government. Completion of the construction works is expected in the fourth quarter of 2027.
From October 1, 2026, the Nea Mesimvria interconnection point also became the second physical entry point into the TAP system operating on a bidirectional basis. This change enables gas flows between TAP and Greece’s natural gas transmission system in both directions, while strengthening market integration and increasing flexibility amid changing market conditions.
Since the pipeline began operations, TAP has transported a total of 61.4 billion cubic meters of natural gas to European countries.
TAP AG, the Albanian government and Albgaz are also cooperating on the establishment of the Fier entry/exit point. On July 6, 2021, TAP AG, Albania’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and Albgaz signed an agreement on cooperation and the transfer of infrastructure facilities. Under the agreement, ownership of the facilities will be transferred to the Albanian state once construction is completed.
In addition, under a Memorandum of Understanding between TAP AG and the Albanian government aimed at supporting the development of the national gas market, the consortium signed an agreement with AGS CO for the provision of technical maintenance services for the TAP pipeline system and its facilities in Albania.
AGS CO is a joint venture in which 75% of the share capital is owned by the state gas operator Albgaz and 25% by Italy’s Snam S.p.A. The initial agreement between TAP AG and AGS CO was signed on December 28, 2018.
https://report.az/energetika/tap-ag-gelen-ilin-sonuna-albaniyada-qaz-neqli-obyektini-istifadeye-vermeyi-planlasdirir-ekskluziv