The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has achieved a significant milestone by completing the first phase of its capacity expansion program, which adds 1.2 billion cubic meters of natural gas transport capacity annually. This enhancement is a result of commitments made during the 2021 market test, where shippers secured long-term capacity for increased deliveries to European markets.
The infrastructure upgrade includes the installation of a new 15 MW compressor unit at the Kipoi compressor station, strategically located near the Greece-Turkey border. This development allows TAP to handle larger volumes of Caspian natural gas, thereby bolstering supply reliability across Europe.
Since its operational launch in late 2020, TAP has been essential in diversifying Europe’s gas supplies and improving energy security. The pipeline has successfully delivered over 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas from the Caspian region to European consumers, underscoring its critical role in meeting regional energy demands.
Luca Schieppati, Managing Director of TAP, emphasized that this expansion represents a pivotal advancement in the pipeline’s evolution, crediting the collaborative efforts of employees, contractors, suppliers, and shareholders for making this project feasible.
This upgrade is also a noteworthy accomplishment for the Southern Gas Corridor—a 3,500-kilometer infrastructure network that links Caspian gas fields with European markets. Murad Heydarov, chairman of TAP’s board, highlighted the strategic significance of this corridor as a stable and competitive energy route for Europe.
Furthermore, this capacity increase illustrates Azerbaijan’s expanding role as a vital gas supplier to Europe. By providing an alternative energy source, TAP aids in reducing dependence on traditional supply routes while enhancing the reliability and resilience of the European energy system.
