Ibrahim Ahmadov, a public relation officer from Azerbaijan’s state-owned energy company SOCAR, said that the newly-completed Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) would turn the country into a significant player in the European energy market. According to him, the new pipeline connects Azerbaijan with Europe’s energy security.
TAP is the final portion of the Southern Gas Corridor that connects the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) in Kipoi, a bordering area between Turkey and Greece, to the Snam Rete Gas transmission system in Puglia, Italy. The 878-km line is to be completed in mid-November 2020 after being under construction for four and a half years. TAP is currently being prepared to enter commercial operations.
The 3500-km Southern Gas Corridor will bring to Europe natural gas produced in Azerbaijan’s Shah Deniz II field. SOCAR has a share in every segment of the $40-billion projects. In TAP it holds a 20% stake. Other shareholders include Axpo (5%), Enagás (16%), Fluxys (19%), BP (20%), and Snam (20%).
