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Orban: a billion euro EU funds for connection to the gas network
Premier Ludovic Orban stated on Saturday that Romania will allocate, in the seven years to come, a billion euro out of European funds for projects which aim at the setting up of gas distribution at the level of localities, allowing the doubling of the number of households connected.
‘For the period 2014-2020 we are on the point of receiving the approval of the European Commission for the allocation of a sum of 200 million euro for these investment objectives. The project appeal will be launched the latest on 1st August, depending on the moment when we get the approval of the European Commission for this financing programme of gas distribution. The rest of 800 million out of the billion we have allocated will be included in the budget that Romania will have from the EU budget for the multiannual financial exercise for 2012-2027. By this allocation,our objective is to double the number of households in Romania which are connected to the gas network’ said the premier who took part in the putting to work of the natural gas network in the Moara commune, Suceava county.
He mentioned that it is necessary ‘ a significant increase of the Transgaz investment’ to make highways to take the main gas network to different areas of the country.
‘During the day there will be given the place and the extension will start for the highway to Vatra Dorneil The Transgaz objective is to close the circle, to ensure the connection parallel to the northern border of Romania, between the western highway in the area of Satu Mare and Suceava. There is already a feasibility study about the sector to Vatra Dornei – Carlibaba. Similarly, on the other part of the mountains there is the sector up to Sighetu Marmatiei and there follows the sector from Sighetu Marmatiei to Borsa. So, practically the circle closes on the northern part. This is the objective. Transgaz will finance these important investments’ Orban said.
He drew the attention on the fact that, at present, only 35% of the population of Romania is connected to the gas networks. Orban reminded that the electricity law and the gas law was modified, including the fact that part of the taxes paid by those who will exploit gas reserves in the Black Sea to be included in a fund which could support the investments in the natural gas.