BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.12
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
Undoubtedly, the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) increases the diversity of gas supply to Europe and as such it adds to the security of gas supplies to Europe, especially to southeast Europe, Charles Ellinas, CEO of Cyprus-based energy consultancy e-CNHC told Trend.
Ellinas said he positively assesses the prospects for expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor, provided the expansion can meet the competitive gas prices prevailing in Europe.
“But with SGC in place, this provides an advantage. The question though is how will Europe's longer term gas demand shape up, given EU's climate change commitments of 55 percent cut in emissions by 2030 and net-zero by 2050. The greatest beneficiaries of SGC gas will be countries of southeast and central Europe. No only it helps diversify supplies, but it also contributes to competition,” he added.
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.
As a key part of the Southern Gas Corridor, TAP is strategically and economically important to Europe and essential in providing reliable access to a new source of natural gas. TAP plays a significant role in boosting Europe’s energy security, supply diversification, as well as decarbonisation objectives.
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