There is no more leeway for any further discussion concerning revisions to the TAP natural gas pipeline’s route, which will be developed as planned, energy minister Giorgos Stathakis has made clear following the presentation of a technical study conducted by the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE).
The TEE study was prompted by the objections of a small number of residents and farmers in the Kavala region, which makes up part of the pipeline’s crossing through northern Greece.
Representatives from all sides held a meeting at the ministry yesterday, during which the TEE study and views of all participants were presented. TEE officials noted that local concerns were groundless.
The TAP consortium had made a route revision following an initial public consultation procedure.
Government MPs holding Kavala region seats appear to have backed the energy minister in order to prevent TAP, a project of national importance, from being undermined.
The problem spot in the Kavala area concerns a 10-kilometer stretch of 550 kilometers already constructed or currently being constructed on Greek territory.
Work on this 10-km section, from the pipeline’s 195th kilometer to the 205th kilometer, was scheduled to begin in autumn, 2016. The section remains pending, meaning the pipeline cannot operate with the existing gap.
The TAP project is planned to run through northern Greece, Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to Italy.