BAKU, Azerbaijan, Jan.18
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
Production ramp up continues at Umid-Babek structure, which is developed by own resources of Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR, Ibrahim Ahmadov, deputy head of the public relations and events department at SOCAR, told Trend.
“Exploration works are underway at Shafag-Asiman and Shallow Water Absheron Peninsula, jointly with BP. Development of these and other new fields may begin in coming years,” he said.
Ahmadov noted that after the first gas stage of Absheron field, its full-scale development is not very distant prospect. “First gas from this field is planned to be consumed in the domestic market, while the additional gas to be produced at further stages may be exported.”
The gas to be produced at the abovementioned structures and fields may be transported via the Southern Gas Corridor in the future, noted SOCAR representative. “If there is a decision on expanding the Southern Gas Corridor’s capacity, other countries’ joining the project as gas supplies may also be on the agenda.”
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.
TAP will facilitate gas supplies to South Eastern European countries through prospective interconnectors. In particular, Bulgaria will be able to cover up to 33% of its total gas demand through TAP after the completion of the Interconnector Greece Bulgaria (IGB). TAP’s exits in Greece and Albania together with the landfall in Italy provide multiple opportunities for further transport of gas from Azerbaijan to the wider European markets.
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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