Albgaz

Albgaz Sh.a. is an Albanian state-owned enterprise that serves as the country's designated natural gas transmission system operator. It is wholly controlled by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy and is tasked with developing and managing Albania's gas infrastructure. The company was established on 6 January 2017, in accordance with Decision No. 848 of the Council of Ministers dated 7 December 2016, as part of Albania's efforts to build a domestic natural gas sector and integrate with regional energy networks. Albgaz's most prominent activity is its participation in the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), the major gas pipeline that transports natural gas from the Caspian region through Greece and Albania to Italy. In 2018, Albgaz formed a joint venture with the Italian gas company Snam, called Albanian Gas Service Company (AGSCo), to handle the operation, maintenance, and technical services for the Albanian section of the TAP pipeline. Under the agreement, Albgaz holds 75% of AGSCo and Snam holds 25%. The joint venture was created following an open international procedure among leading European companies. AGSCo began with a staff of 52 employees, 90% of whom were young Albanians trained and certified by Snam in Italy and Albania during 2019. The initial maintenance agreement has a duration of seven years and is accompanied by a business plan. Beyond TAP, Albgaz is involved in broader gasification initiatives in Albania. The company has signed memoranda of understanding and agreements for LNG/natural gas supply, and it is engaged in the NUR project for the gasification of the city of Korça, a step toward the energy transformation of southeastern Albania. Albgaz also publishes a monthly magazine covering news from the gas sector. Through these activities, Albgaz positions itself as a central player in Albania's energy transition and the expansion of natural gas usage across the country.

Albgaz Sh.a. was established on 6 January 2017, in accordance with Decision No. 848 of the Council of Ministers of Albania dated 7 December 2016. It was created as a state-owned enterprise under the full control of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, with a mandate to develop and manage Albania's natural gas infrastructure and to act as the country's energy transmission operator. In 2018, Albgaz entered into a joint venture with the Italian gas company Snam, forming the Albanian Gas Service Company (AGSCo). The joint venture was established after an open international procedure among leading European companies that expressed interest in partnering with the Albanian state gas company. AGSCo was created to carry out the operation, maintenance, and technical services for the Albanian section of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). The shares of AGSCo are divided with 75% held by Albgaz and 25% by Snam. The agreement negotiated with TAP has an initial duration of seven years and includes a business plan. AGSCo started with 52 employees, 90% of whom were young Albanians trained and certified by Snam in Italy and Albania during 2019, under an arrangement where Snam guarantees the qualification of the joint venture's employees and the transfer of technological know-how according to industry standards. Albgaz has continued to expand its role in Albania's gas sector. It has signed memoranda of understanding and agreements for the supply of LNG/natural gas, and it is involved in the NUR project for the gasification of the city of Korça, described as an important step toward the energy transformation of southeastern Albania. TAP is regarded as a strategic partner in Albania's gasification path. Albgaz also publishes a monthly magazine that brings the latest news from the gas sector.

• 2019

  AGSCo's initial 52 employees are trained and certified by Snam in Italy and Albania.

• 2018

  Albgaz forms a joint venture with Snam called Albanian Gas Service Company (AGSCo).

• 2017

  Albgaz Sh.a. is established on 6 January 2017 as a state-owned enterprise.

• 2016

  Decision No. 848 of the Council of Ministers dated 7 December 2016 paves the way for Albgaz's establishment.

Albania's state-designated natural gas transmission system operator and key player in the country's energy transition.

• Natural gas transmission

  Operation of Albania's natural gas transmission system.

• Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) Albanian section maintenance

  Via AGSCo joint venture with Snam.

• NUR project – Gasification of Korça

  Initiative for the gasification of the city of Korça.

1. 1Albgaz – Operatori i Kombinuar i Gazit Natyror në Shqipërialbgaz.al
2. 2Albanian Gas Service Company – Albgazalbgaz.al
3. 3Albgaz – Wikidatawikidata.org
4. 4Albgaz – Wikipedia (Italian)it.wikipedia.org