BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.14
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) has supplied a total of 8.4 billion cubic meters of gas to Turkey since the start of commercial operations till December 2020, TANAP General Manager Saltuk Duzyol said during an online press conference, Trend reports.
He noted that currently, the expansion of TANAP’s capacity beyond 16 billion cubic meters per year is not on the agenda due to lower gas prices.
“However, we’ve selected the locations of additional compressor stations for expansion. Investments in the expansion of TANAP’s capacity will depend on the volume of contracted gas. If a decision on expansion is made, we are able to complete the relevant works for three years,” said Duzyol.
Following the start of commercial operations on November 15, 2020, the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) AG confirmed on Dec. 31 the commencement of gas flows from Azerbaijan. The first gas 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).
TAP 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.
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