BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.28
By Leman Zeynalova – Trend:
The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) may turn Italy into a key node in the gas infrastructure network, Trend reports referring to an article published by geopop.it.
“As far as Italy is concerned, this pipeline allows us to cover a fair share of the national gas needs : we are talking about 9 percent - a figure destined to grow with the doubling of the transport capacity of the TAP foreseen for the next years. Our internal natural gas production is able to meet about 3-4 percent of the national gas needs. Secondly, the natural gas of TAP, through the Italian national network , can possibly be exported to other European countries, thus making Italy a key node in the infrastructure network of this energy resource,” reads the article.
“Last but not least, the fact that the connection with Azerbaijan allows Italy to have a "plan B" in the event that Russia decides to stop natural gas supplies. Of course, the approximately 40% imported from Russia cannot be instantly balanced by the approximately 10% of Azerbaijan, but it is still a safe source of supply,” says the article.
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 percent), SOCAR (20 percent), Snam (20 percent), Fluxys (19 percent), Enagás (16 percent) and Axpo (5 percent).
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