English

Natural gas will bring benefits to Montenegro

Katerina Papaleksandri

Natural gas that is going to be transported by Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline, will contribute to decarbonization and its effects will be felt in South-East Europe and Western Balkans primarily, said representative of TAP for Greece, Ms Katerina Papaleksandri.

According to Ms Papaleksandri, energy sectors hinge on hard fossil fuels for electricity production, such as coal and lignite.

“Trans-Adriatic pipeline will help Europe shift to the economy with low carbon-dioxide share, it will diversify energy supply sources, strengthen European competition and improve European gas connection. We expect demand for natural gas to increase, since it replaces coal and wood”, said Ms Papaleksandri.

TAP is part of Trans-Anatolian Pipeline which  came into use last summer and is intended to bring gas to the Azerbaijani  Shah Deniz 2 gas field  in the Caspian Sea, crossing Turkey to Europe. TAP starts at the Greek-Turkish border, goes through Albania, Adriatic Sea and comes ashore in Southern Italy. First gas deliveries will start next year.

WORKS NEAR COMPLETION

Ms Papaleksandri said that works in Greece and Albania neared completion and that almost all pipes had been filled and installed.

“TAP is currently moving further into the project construction phase. Compressor and dosing stations are being completed, pipeline receiving terminal in Italy as well”, said Ms Papaleksandri.

She points out that European Commission and EU Member States have recognized TAP as very important strategic project. The pipeline is 878 long.

In 1 July, TAP launched market test, commercial process through which gas shippers  can get access to new, long-term capacities.

CLEANEST FOSSIL FUEL

TAP representative for Greece says that natural gas is the best energy source in conjunction with renewable resources, thank to its price and natural characteristics.

“Gas, as the cleanest fuel fossil fuel, has clear environmental advantages over other energy sources such as coal and oil”, pointed out Ms Papaleksandri.

She adds that development of renewable energy resources is crucial to Eurpean transition to the economy with low carbon-dioxide share.

“Natural gas will still be part of the divergent energy mix which includes other energy sources, such as renewable nuclear sources. Europe will need reliable, safe and accessible energy coming from various sources. In accordance with the European Energy Strategy, every EU Member State should have access to at least three electricity supply sources”, concluded Ms Papaleksandri.

Open for Ionian-Adriatic cooperation

TAP stretch passing through Montenegro is Ionian-Adriatic pipeline. Ms Papaleksandri said that she didn’t want to comment on other pipeline systems.

“TAP remains open for cooperation with IAP promoters”, said Ms Papaleksandri.

 

Send this to a friend