BAKU, Azerbaijan, February 1. The Greek DESFA company and the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) AG consortium have launched negotiations on connecting their infrastructures at the Amphitrite hub near Alexandroupolis port, an informed source exclusively told Trend.
"These negotiations are taking place as part of the potential future involvement of TAP in the transit of gas that will be delivered to the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in Alexandroupolis from various sources. The gas will undergo regasification for transportation through pipelines to consumers in Southeastern and Central Europe," the source noted.
The source added that the start of commercial operation of the first phase of the LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis, with a capacity of 5.5 billion cubic meters of gas per year, is scheduled for March 10, 2024, and the second phase of the terminal, with a capacity of 5 billion cubic meters per year, may be launched in 2025.
"At present, TAP's capacities are engaged. However, considering its expansion plans starting from 2026, this pipeline can participate in gas delivery not only from Azerbaijan but also from other countries. Necessary pipeline connections will be established," the source explained.
The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), with a capacity of 10 billion cubic meters per year, was commissioned at the end of 2020 as the European segment of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC).
Its primary and initial source is gas from Azerbaijan.
Currently, TAP has the capability to transport up to 12 billion cubic meters of gas per year.
Starting from January 1, 2026, its capacity will increase to 14 billion cubic meters per year.
The EU plans to gradually increase the TAP capacity to 20 billion cubic meters of gas per year from various sources.
The LNG terminal in Alexandroupolis is primarily designed for LNG from the US, Algeria, and Qatar.