Another important step has been marked in the energy sector in Albania, through the renewal of the agreement by the Albanian Gas Service Company (AGSCo) with Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) for the continuation of the provision of gas network maintenance services in the country.

The Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Enea Karakaçi, announced on Tuesday that the service will continue to be provided by AGSCo, a consortium formed between the state-owned company Albgaz and the Italian company Snam, demonstrating an increase in local capacities for managing and maintaining strategic energy infrastructure.

Present at the signing of the renewal of the agreement were Arber Lleshi, executive director of AGSCo, Tommaso Andriolo, operational director of AGSCo, Ricardo Ruiz Nunez, operational director of TAP, and Luca Schieppati, managing director of TAP.

Meanwhile, Minister Karakaçi noted that this agreement is considered a clear indicator of the strengthening of Albania's role in the regional energy map, as well as the trust of international partners in the expertise and standards achieved in the country.

The further development of the natural gas sector is receiving increasing attention in order to diversify energy sources and increase energy security, positioning Albania as an important node in European energy corridors.

Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is cooperating with the Albanian Government and “Albgaz” sh.a. to develop an entry/exit point at the Fier location. In this regard, on July 6, 2021, TAP AG, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, and “Albgaz” sh.a. signed a Cooperation and Handover Agreement for the South Fier Plant. According to the agreement, once the construction of the South Fier facility is completed, it will be transferred to the Albanian state.

In accordance with the “Memorandum of Understanding” signed between TAP and the Albanian Government to support the development of the Albanian gas market, TAP has entered into an agreement with AGSCo to provide high-quality maintenance services for the TAP gas pipeline system and stations in Albania.

AGSCo is an incorporated company, where “Albgaz” sh.a. and “Snam” S.p.A. are shareholders (JV), with 75% and 25% of the shares, respectively. The contract was signed on 28 December 2018 between Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG and Albanian Gas Service Company sh.a. The contract has expired on 1 October 2025, which coincides with the fifth anniversary of the start of commercial operations. As AGSCo’s contract with TAP has expired, the parties renewed the contract again.