The TransMediterranean gas pipeline, extended between Algeria and Italy via Tunisia, will be carrying 30 percent more liquefied natural gas (LNG) in the near future, concluded the nations’ energy ministers in Rome last week.
The boost will bring the channel’s capacity to 27.5 billion cubic meters (bcm) per year, reported AP. Algeria supplies 40 percent of Italy's natural gas and about 25 percent of the European Union's total gas imports.
The 2,200-kilometer TransMed was laid in the mid-1970 and is operated by the Transmediterranean Pipeline Company (TMPC), a joint venture between the Algerian oil company Sonatrach and Italy's oil and gas company Eni SpA.
The construction of another Algeria-Italy gas pipeline is currently considered. A feasibility study for the new route, which will pass through the Island of Sardinia, will be carried out by a GALSI SpA, reported Dow Jones.
The new venture is 40 percent owned by Sontatrach. Other consortium members include Italy's Edison SpA with a 20 percent stake and Enelpower SpA with 15 percent. The remaining 25 percent will be divided between Germany’s Fenez Helms BASF AG and Italy’s Hera SpA. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
