In the framework of scheduled contacts of the new Greek Deputy Minister for Environment, Energy and Climate Change, Ioannis Maniatis, on the subject of the country’s energy infrastructure, Maniatis met on 4 November with representatives of the group for the construction of the TAP natural gas pipeline (Trans Adriatic Pipeline). The representatives informed the deputy minister about the timeframe and progress on the pipeline’s construction in the route (Thessaloniki – Avlona, Albania – Brindisi, Italy), potential natural gas sources, and other concerning issues.
TAP is a proposed pipeline project to transport natural gas from the Caspian and Middle East regions via a new gas transportation route starting in Greece via Albania and the Adriatic Sea to Italy and further to Western Europe. TAP is seen as a possible method diversification. Swiss EGL Group together with the Norwegian company StatoilHydro will develop, construct and co-own the pipeline. TAP’s capacity will hit 10 billion meters of gas per year with a possible increase to 20 billion cubic meters.