The Minister of Energy Belinda Balluku stated that the government has a “master plan” for the gasification of the country that would bring economic development.
During an interview on Report TV, Balluku said that “gasification would be made possible by the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) and the investment of American companies in Vlora thermal power plant (TPP)”.
“All the investment will be made by the US, and there will be no investment from the Albanian state, only by the US”, said Balluku.
Albania has signed an agreement with ExxonMobil and Excelerate Energy last week, to turn a site in Vlora into a terminal for liquified natural gas (LNG).
The memorandum of understanding foresees a feasibility study expected to be delivered in the third quarter of 2021.
The next steps include the repurposing of the thermal power plant in Vlora, southern Albania, and the construction of a new LNG terminal, thus transforming the coastal city into a regional hub for liquefied gas.
Minister Balluku stressed “the need for Albania and the Balkan region to diversify and enhance energy supplies”
Balluku also said that “part of the agreement is that this Vlora TPP will produce according to the needs of Albania”.
The Minister also spoke about the Llogara Tunnel project. “The five companies that were in the competition have been disqualified, as they did not fulfill the legal and technical documentation,” she said, adding that the competition for the tender will be reopened immediately after the end of the appeal period.
