Snam, Albgaz Unite to Build Albania’s Pipes

Italian national gas transmission and storage operator Snam and Albanian gas infrastructure operator Albgaz are to create a joint venture to operate and maintain the gas pipelines in Albania, Snam said June 11.

The joint venture will be 75% owned by Albgaz and 25% by Snam. The contract follows the conclusion of an international tender called by Albgaz. It would also facilitate potential future technical collaboration for the development of the Albanian gas market. Albgaz' responsibilities will rise with the expected launch in 2020 of the TransAdriatic Pipeline across the country.

Albgaz was set up in January 2017 and tasked with developing and managing gas transmission and distribution infrastructure for the Albanian market, as well as capacities for LNG and underground gas storage. It signed a similar MoU with Greek state-run gas grid Desfa April 12, 2017.

Azerbaijan’s state-run Socar also signed a letter of intent with Albgaz on gas purchasing and building a 40-km pipeline from Fier to the city of Vlora February 19. Albgaz was created in January 2017 and is responsible for the construction and management of Albanian gas market infrastructure.

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Source: TAP