Expansion of the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TAP) is possible at an early stage without increasing the capacity of the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP).

APA-Economics reports that Ibrahim Ahmadov, SOCAR Vice President for Personnel, Regime and Information Technologies, spokesman for the company, commented on the possibility of expanding TANAP against the background of geopolitical processes in the world. said during the conference.

According to him, the issue of increasing exports to Europe via the Southern Gas Corridor depends largely on the decisions of the TAP pipeline consortium.

Azerbaijan is also represented by SOCAR in this consortium.

The company is not a major shareholder and owns only 20% of the shares.

İ.

Ahmadov noted that according to EU legislation, each gas importer must regularly declare an open season, which requires market research and appropriate decisions on expansion.

"The TAP consortium is conducting such open seasons and market research, regardless of any geopolitical developments. Last year they started this process, and this year, probably, a decision will be made on the expansion of the pipeline." , - İ.

Ahmadov stressed.

According to him, the decision depends on whether the proposals from the companies are profitable and affordable for the consortium members, depending on the market situation.

So, it may not be just Azerbaijani gas.

The consortium may receive proposals for gas supplies from both Azerbaijan and other countries: "For example, it may be liquefied natural gas imported to Greece. That is, it is possible to increase TAP at the initial stage without expanding TANAP. It depends on the decision of the companies and the consortium. "

According to the SOCAR official, it is not necessary to double the capacity of TAP.

According to the current technological capabilities, its capacity is 10 billion.

cubic meters can be increased to a maximum of 20 billion cubic meters.

However, the increase may be less, for example, 3-5 billion.

cubic meters, etc., which also depends on the companies directly involved in the consortium.

"Yes, any political, economic and other events can affect the balance of supply and demand in the market. In this sense, these events could indirectly affect various decisions, but there is no direct dependence on it, I would say. It is more commercial. is an issue and depends primarily on the decision of the TAP consortium, "he said.

Ahmadov concluded.

It should be noted that Azerbaijani gas is transported to Europe via TAP.

Commercial transportation of "blue fuel" via the 878-kilometer section of the Southern Gas Corridor began on December 31, 2020.

The TAP pipeline, which is part of the Southern Gas Corridor project, will initially produce 10 billion cubic meters of gas a year from the Shah Deniz-2 project.

cubic meters to Europe.

The pipeline runs through Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy.