BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 18. Trans Adriatic Pipeline enhances the strategic importance of Azerbaijan’s energy exports to Europe, says the French online outlet La Gazette du Caucase, Trend reports.
In their recent article, the authors pointed out that the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), with the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) as its endpoint, represents a vital alternative that ensures energy diversification and effectively reduces Russia’s grip on European gas markets.
"This has reinforced Azerbaijan’s role as a key geopolitical player and a reliable energy partner. TAP not only maintains its operational success but is also poised for significant expansion, with plans to increase its capacity by 1.2 bcm per year by 2026. This expansion is essential to meet Europe’s growing demand and support the continent’s transition to cleaner energy. In the coming years, TAP will undoubtedly continue to bolster regional stability and sustainability efforts, enhancing the strategic importance of Azerbaijan’s energy exports in a multipolar world," the article reads.
The authors added that, in just four years, TAP has delivered 40 bcm of natural gas to Europe, marking a major achievement for SGC and strengthening the importance of diversified energy routes.
"TAP's role goes beyond the mere delivery of gas; it has become a geopolitical tool, strengthening Azerbaijan’s position in the evolving Middle Corridor - a crucial trade and energy route between Europe and Asia. The importance of TAP aligns with the growing relevance of the Middle Corridor as an alternative route bypassing Russia-controlled infrastructure, especially in the context of Europe’s efforts to reduce its dependence on Russian gas. The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, links Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe. TAP plays a key role in this corridor by facilitating energy flow from Azerbaijan, a country strategically located at the heart of these east-west connections," the article notes.