BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 1. Italian government will support the expansion of the country’s regasification capacity at its three existing terminals – La Spezia, Livorno and Rovigo – which would double the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) capacity, Gilberto Pichetto Fratin, Italian energy minister, said, Trend reports Dec.1 via Italian media.
He noted that more investments in gas infrastructure would allow Italy to become a European gas hub, shifting “the center of gravity from Germany towards Italy”.
The minister went on to add that Italy is considering adding two
floating LNG terminals (FSRU) to ensure security of supply as it
seeks to fully replace Russian gas imports.
Fratin highlighted the importance of boosting and diversifying the
country’s gas infrastructure amid the continent’s energy
crisis.
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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