The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has delivered more than 60 billion cubic metres of natural gas to European customers since commercial operations began. The deliveries support the Southern Gas Corridor’s role as an alternative to traditional supply routes. Italy accounts for more than 50 bcm, representing over four-fifths of TAP’s cumulative volumes. The remainder has been supplied mainly to Greece and Bulgaria.
In Greece and Bulgaria, TAP volumes have been used to support market diversification and regional gas trading. The cumulative delivered volume is equivalent to annual consumption of approximately 45 million to 60 million European households, depending on national consumption patterns and weather conditions. TAP’s role in the corridor is linked to bringing Caspian gas into Southeast Europe and Italy without crossing established Russian supply corridors.
TAP capacity expansion adds reverse flow and intraday services
TAP has completed the first phase of its capacity-expansion programme, increasing transport capability by 1.2 bcm a year. The upgrade includes reverse-flow functionality and intraday delivery services for network users. These features are designed to provide flexibility in responding to changes in demand and regional price spreads.
As Southeast European markets become more interconnected, the intraday and reverse-flow capabilities can be used alongside cross-border supply options. Bulgaria can use TAP-linked gas together with supplies received through Greece and Turkey. Access to markets further north is supported by the Greece-Bulgaria interconnector.
Regional infrastructure plans for non-Russian gas
Infrastructure developments across the region are aimed at deepening the market for non-Russian gas. Serbia, North Macedonia, Romania and Hungary are pursuing projects that could expand regional trading options. This includes interconnection efforts that complement TAP-linked supply routes.
The expansion remains modest compared with overall European consumption levels. TAP strengthens competition and resilience, but it cannot independently replace volumes historically supplied through larger Russian corridors. Further growth depends on additional upstream production in Azerbaijan, long-term purchase commitments, and investment in compressors, interconnectors and domestic transmission networks.
Financing constraints under climate policy for long-life assets
European lenders and public institutions face a policy balance shaped by both energy security needs and climate financing limits. Gas remains relevant for system security, industrial consumption and dispatchable electricity generation. Climate policy is increasingly restricting the financing period available for long-life fossil-fuel infrastructure.
TAP’s first 60 bcm deliveries indicate that the Southern Gas Corridor is operating within Europe’s energy-security architecture. The next development stage will depend on whether producers, buyers and financiers can agree on contracts long enough to support upstream investment while avoiding inflexible demand obligations .
