TAP start of gas flows marks a historic step in supply diversification in Southeast Europe

As of December 31, 2020, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) AG commenced gas transportation from Azerbaijan. The first gas delivery has reached Greece and Bulgaria via the Nea Mesimvria interconnection point with DESFA, as well as Italy, via the Melendugno interconnection point with SNAM Rete Gas (SRG).

Luca Schieppati, TAP’s Managing Director, commented: “TAP is an essential part of the continent’s gas network, contributing to the energy transition roadmap. We offer a reliable, direct and cost-effective transportation route to South East European countries and beyond.”

Marija Savova, TAP’s Head of Commercial, added: “The start of gas deliveries is a significant milestone for Europe’s gas market. While we look forward to providing transportation services to shippers in the upcoming months and years, we also look forward to launching the second phase of our market test in the summer, which will enable the future expansion of TAP, doubling the pipeline’s capacity to 20 bcm/a.”

TAP is a transmission system operator, providing capacity to shippers interested in transporting natural gas to multiple markets in Europe. As a new gas import route, the Southern Gas Corridor strengthens Europe’s energy security, its market integration, as well as EU’s decarbonisation efforts. It transports natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz field in the Azerbaijan sector of the Caspian Sea to Europe. The 878 km long pipeline connects with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the Turkish-Greek border in Kipoi, crosses Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Southern Italy.

TAP will facilitate gas supplies to South Eastern European countries through prospective interconnectors. In particular, Bulgaria will be able to cover up to 33% of its total gas demand through TAP after the completion of the Interconnector Greece Bulgaria (IGB). TAP’s exits in Greece and Albania together with the landfall in Italy provide multiple opportunities for further transport of gas from Azerbaijan to the wider European markets.

Photo: TAP AG