Tauerngasleitung GmbH Plans to Take in Additional Shareholders

VIENNA, January 29, 2013 /PRNewswire/ --

In view of the considerable changes in the gas industry and the legal framework governing the gas industry in Europe, the shareholders of Tauerngasleitung GmbH plan to give interested companies the opportunity to invest in the project, which is now in the planning end phase, and to acquire shares in the company.

Important North-South Connection

Against the backdrop of the implementation of the energy transition, the planned new pipeline connection is becoming increasingly important for the European gas industry as North-South axis and due to its possible use for compensating fluctuating wind and solar energies. This infrastructure project is virtually ideal for meeting energy policy objectives such as diversification of gas sources, enhancement of security of supply and stimulation of competition through the interlinking of market areas. It will provide both a cross-border connection between Germany, Austria, Italy and possibly the Czech Republic and Slovenia as well as a link-up to the large storage facilities in Austria (including "7Fields" and "Haidach"). Tie-in points to the Tauern Gas Pipeline are also planned for the regional gas supply of the federal states of Upper Austria, Salzburg and Carinthia.

New shareholders will be selected in a bidding procedure. The introduction of this bidding procedure will be publicised separately. Detailed information will also be published soon on the company's website (http://www.tauerngasleitung.at).

About the project

Tauerngasleitung GmbH was founded as a joint venture for planning and implementing all preparatory measures for the construction and operation of a roughly 290 km transalpine high-pressure gas pipeline in Austria connecting to the German and Italian gas pipeline networks. The shareholders are E.ON Ruhrgas AG, Energie AG Oberösterreich, Salzburg AG, Rohölaufsuchungs AG (RAG), KELAG and TIGAS.

TGL-Medienkoordination:
Dr. Peter Hörschinger
c/o ikp GmbH
peter.hoerschinger@ikp.at
Tel.: +43-1-5247790-13