Minister Balluku made a statement following the signing of a memorandum of cooperation between the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, Albgaz, and the Azerbaijan State Oil Company, SOCAR, for the development of the gasification infrastructure of Korçë.
During COP29 in Baku, we reached a new agreement with the government of Azerbaijan for the gasification of Korçë. This is very wonderful news; it has been in the works for a long time between Albgaz of Albania and SOCAR of Azerbaijan, but it is now becoming a reality. We intend to start all the engineering work as soon as possible, now that the feasibility study has been completed.

This project is expected to start in 2025 and end in 2027. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive distribution network in Korçë for both residents and local companies. It should be noted that if Albania’s gasification is expanded in accordance with the country’s strategic plan, the cost of this commodity delivered to citizens will decrease. The State will first support this new technology, product and service, and then extend it to the Pogradec and Ersekë districts, with the aim of offering industry an energy option, not only electricity, but also gas. We expect the gasification of the country to continue until 2030, covering the majority of cities, especially those with industrial parts or businesses supported by the gas industry.

I would also like to remind you that for two years in a row we have had to deal with the issue of wood, because it is now increasingly inaccessible, taking into account the exports from North Macedonia or Kosovo, because wood is used a lot in the Korçë area. Nevertheless, as we are at COP29 today, we must remember that Albania’s environmental laws and commitments are all in line with the prohibition of the use of wood for heating.
Korçë has been selected to pilot the country’s National Gasification Strategy, which is supported by SOCAR, the Azerbaijani company of excellence, in the field of gas at the national level. The citizens of Korçë have shown that they are responsible in the management of utility bills, never creating bad debts with any company, whether it is the water and sewerage company or the electricity company.

Therefore, today’s excellent news is for Korça, but it will also benefit the entire Albanian nation.