Minister of Mining, Oil and Gas, Admir Šahmanović, has suggested routing the Adriatic-Ionian Pipeline (IAP) alongside the Adriatic-Ionian highway as a faster and more cost-effective alternative to the original plan, which included a subsea section. The proposed route spans 97 km, with an estimated investment of €207 million, though costs may rise due to changes in the construction materials market.
Benefits for Montenegro
Šahmanović highlighted several potential benefits for Montenegro from the IAP project, including:
- Transit fees: Revenue from gas transit through Montenegro.
- Natural gas reserves: Potential for tapping into natural gas reserves in the Adriatic Sea.
- Cleaner industry: The use of natural gas could replace heavier fuels, reducing CO2 emissions significantly compared to coal.
The minister noted the presence of over 1,300 exploratory wells in the Adriatic, suggesting there are likely oil and gas reserves in Montenegro’s waters.
Regional collaboration
Plans are underway to form a regional company involving state gas companies from Albania, Montenegro, Croatia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina to facilitate project preparations and construction. This collaborative effort is expected to enhance regional support and efficiency in the project’s implementation.
Project overview
The IAP will extend the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), connecting gas supplies from the Caspian region to Western Europe. It will serve as a bidirectional pipeline, allowing for flexible supply routes.
The total pipeline length is set at 511 km, with a capacity of five billion cubic meters annually, aiming to supply natural gas to several countries, including:
- Albania: 1 billion m³
- Montenegro: 0.5 billion m³
- Bosnia and Herzegovina: 1 billion m³
- Central Europe: 2.5 billion m³
This project represents a significant step towards establishing a new energy corridor for Southeast Europe, enhancing energy security and supply diversification in the region.
