BAKU, Azerbaijan, Feb.21. The second binding phase of the market test to double the Trans Adriatic Pipeline’s (TAP) capacity is scheduled for September 2023, Trend reports with reference to Spanish Enagas, one of TAP shareholders.
“The outcome of the market test process initiated in 2021 has led to the contracting of additional transmission capacity of 1.2 bcm from 2026 onwards. A second binding phase is planned to be launched in September 2023, which could double its capacity to 20 bcm,” the company said in its latest report.
Enagas noted that 31 December 2022 marked two years since the start of natural gas transport operations through TAP.
“Since then, TAP has delivered 19 bcm of natural gas in Europe. In 2022 TAP transported ~11 bcm of natural gas to Europe, with an average utilisation of over 100 percent. In 2022 volumes delivered by TAP in Italy increased by 41 percent vs 2021 offsetting lower imports of Russian gas into the country,” reads the report.
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.