BAKU, Azerbaijan, Apr.13
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline project received an exemption from certain internal gas market rules under Article 36 of the Gas Directive among others on the basis that the project enhances security of supply and competition, Trend reports with reference to the European Commission’s statement.
The Commission said it has not received any evidence indicating that the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) would not comply with EU energy legislation.
“Based on Commission Decision C(2015)1852 final , the exemption granted would lose its effects ‘in the event that the infrastructure has not become operational by 31 December 2020’. This is not the case as TAP started commercial operations on 15 November 2020,” reads the statement.
As the European section of the Southern Gas Corridor, TAP has the capacity to transport approximately 10 billion cubic meters of gas per annum (bcm/a) to several markets in Europe. The pipeline is also designed with the potential to expand its throughput capacity up to 20 bcm/a.
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.
TAP’s shareholding is comprised of bp (20%), SOCAR (20%), Snam (20%), Fluxys (19%), Enagás (16%) and Axpo (5%).
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