The GALSI Gas Pipeline Project is a planned pipeline, a mega project that began in early 2000. Better known as the Gasdotto Algeria Sardegna Italia, the project will import 8 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Italy, from Algeria, annually. Starting from a station in Algeria, the pipeline will follow a route that crosses Sardinia. Thereafter, it will reach Tuscany, near Piombino.
The project appears to be among the EU‘s top priority infrastructure projects. Moreover, the project received a total amount of EUR 120 million under the ‘Programme to aid economic recovery by granting Community financial assistance to projects in the field of energy’. However, as it stands, the GALSI Gas Pipeline Project has not yet been implemented.
In response to recent inquiries from the Regional Council, the current Regional Minister of the Region of Tuscany commented on the project. Roberto Calderoli said that in March 2021, the Ecological Transition Ministry, in Italy ordered for the project’s authorization procedure to be shelved.
Reported on Jun 11, 2015
Italy and Algeria to partner in a GALSI gas pipeline project
Italy has agreed to continue with the GALSI gas pipeline project that’ll cost US$2.5 billion. Upon completion, it’ll allow Algeria to supply gas to northern Italy and Europe through a pipeline connection. The new partnership was made official by the Algerian Minister of Foreign affairs Ramatane Lamamra and Italy’s Paolo Gentiloni during a working visit to Algeria.
GALSI will transmit 8 billion cubic meters per year and Algeria owns 41.6% of the project.
Owned by Sonatrach, Edison, Enel, and Hera group the project will stretch of 837 KM. Approximately 565 km of the gas pipeline will be offshore across the Mediterranean sea and 272km onshore. The pipeline connects to Italy through Sardinia and was to come to begin last year.
The construction project will enable Italy to sustain its energy requirements by getting natural gas supplies from Algeria. The project will contribute to the creation of more employment opportunities and increase investment opportunities in the two countries.
The construction project is a move by the two countries to create favorable economic cooperation between them. Additionally, it aims to promote interest in Italian firms to participate in housing and seaport projects in Algeria.
