Baku, Azerbaijan, Feb.24
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
The Southern Gas Corridor project will make Azerbaijan the energy security partner of Europe, Sijbren de Jong, analyst at The Hague Center for Strategic Studies and expert in energy security told Trend Feb.24.
This project is very significant, as it will bring additional supplies to a part of Europe where there is limited competition, he said, adding that it will strengthen economic ties between Europe and Azerbaijan.
Azerbaijan will have to work closely with Turkey to ensure that as many different sources of gas can tap into the Southern Gas Corridor, according to the expert.
On Feb. 23, Baku hosted the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council Third Ministerial Meeting.
The Southern Gas Corridor is one of the priority energy projects for the EU. It envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey.
At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.
As part of the Stage 2 of the Shah Deniz development, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets by expanding the South Caucasus Pipeline and the construction of Trans Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline and Trans Adriatic Pipeline.
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