The trans-Adriatic gas pipeline was built to, to transport the resource from Azerbaijan through Georgia and Turkey, further through Greece to Europe, I told ABF "Economics today» Leading Expert of the National Energy Security Fund and the Financial University under the Government of Russia Stanislav Mitrahovich.
TAP AG Consortium Announces Approaching Completion Of Construction Work On The Trans-Adriatic Gas Pipeline (TAR).
According to current data, the pipeline is filled with Azerbaijani gas from the Greek-Turkish border to the receiving terminal in southern Italy.
Currently, the preparation of the TAP for the launch of commercial operations in accordance with the technical means of operational safety is being completed - capacities are already being offered on the gas market.
“The Trans-Adriatic Gas Pipeline was built to, to transport the resource from Azerbaijan through Georgia and Turkey, further through Greece to Europe. It is a valid alternative to gas from the Russian Federation in the southern European region.
The specified pipeline was designed specifically to compete with Russian and is part of a large system, which is called TANAP - TAP. That is, the Trans-Anatolian goes into the Trans-Adriatic ", - commented expert Stanislav Mitrakhovich.
Great hopes of Azerbaijan
Connector between the TAP pipeline and the Italian Snam Rete Gas in Puglia, as expected by the company, will be ready for transportation of the resource in November of this year.
It is assumed, that the route of the Trans-Adriatic pipeline will help Azerbaijan to supply gas to several countries of Southeast Europe, since this gas pipeline is part of the Southern Gas Corridor, intended for the transportation of raw materials from the Shah Deniz-2 gas condensate field of the Azerbaijani sector in the Caspian Sea.
“Gas is produced in Azerbaijan, and then partly goes to the Turkish state, where it is pumped and moves to Italy. If approximately 16 billion cubic meters of gas supplied to Shah Deniz-2, then about six billion is consumed in Turkey, and eight billion billion are sent to Italy. The remaining two billion of resources are distributed between consumers in Bulgaria and Greece ", - said the interlocutor of the agency.
TAP pipeline length 878 kilometers connects with the Trans-Anatolian pipeline (TANAP) on the Turkish-Greek border in Cyprus, crosses Greece, Albania and the Adriatic Sea, and then comes ashore in southern Italy.
"Volumes, for which the TAP is designed, good. But compared to that, what Russia supplies to Europe, they are small. However, this will in any case cause increased competition., which will affect the prices of the resource.
Russian Gazprom will have to react somehow, including introducing certain discounts. It is important to note, that Russia has advantages in the form of competitive gas and the existing route ", - the expert emphasized.
Expansion of the Southern Gas Corridor is an important step for the countries of the European Union, reducing Europe's dependence on existing gas sources, basically, coming from the Russian Federation.
Italy, continued by Stanislav Mitrakhovich, considered a saturated and competitive market, to which gas is supplied by many countries.
“From a strategic point of view, reducing dependence on Russian gas is not so important for Italy, because there are many different players. Trans Adriatic pipeline will be another gas source, not posing a threat to Gazprom.
Bulgaria and Greece will remain dependent on gas from the Russian Federation. A liquefied natural gas terminal is being built in the Greek territories. The Bulgarian side has invested in this project ", - said the expert.
Prospects for the Russian Federation in TAP
There are plans to increase the capacity of this gas pipeline system from 16 billion cubic meters per year. Stanislav Mitrakhovich noted, that Gazprom will respond to the growing competition by adjusting prices. Also, the likelihood of Russia's connection to the TANAP - TAP system cannot be ruled out.
“Azerbaijan considers, what can increase gas production. However, the expert community doubts the possibilities, since this country has geological, technical and other limitations of resource production - it may not be enough to fill the TANAP - TAP system.
Who will then supply? One of the options is the Russian Federation, subject to stable bilateral relations with Turkey.
"Gas from Russia enters Turkish territories through the Blue Stream gas pipeline and two branches of the Turkish Stream". Further, Gazprom can launch the resource through the pipeline, in the construction of which Russia did not take part. Such actions will comply with the norms of the Third Energy Package.
Of course, Turkey and the European Union can cheat and come up with reasons for refusal, however, the Russian Federation has good arguments for admitting to the TAP. In addition, there is an opportunity to negotiate swap deliveries with Azerbaijan, which may not have enough of its own resource for the new pipeline and its needs ", - the expert added.
TANAP - TAP system opens during the aggravation of the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh and pressure from Turkey on the Azerbaijani leadership. This nuance and the development of the conflict may make consumers doubt the reliability of the Trans-Adriatic gas pipeline..
“In the future, Armenia can feel, which is losing ground and launching a missile strike on Azerbaijani gas pipeline facilities.
By the way, the state oil company of the Azerbaijan Republic has already accused Armenia of, that she fired at the pipeline. Against the background of such statements, any development of events can be expected, which can reduce the effect of the presentation of Turkey and Azerbaijan, claiming to be reliable transit countries. So I doubt, that we will see stable operation of TAP in the future ", - summed up the expert.
Alexander Melnik
