Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG (TAP) launched a market test to allow natural gas shippers to express interest, and in a later phase, potentially secure access to new, long-term capacity in TAP, thereby enabling the future expansion of the pipeline capacity.

The market test will be conducted in two main phases: a non-binding phase, starting on 1 July 2019, followed by a binding phase, expected to start earliest in the second quarter of 2020.

Luca Schieppati, TAP’s Managing Director, said: “Starting 2020, TAP plans to initially transport approximately 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, bringing a new source of gas to Europe. Yet, TAP is able to double its capacity to 20bcm/a, therefore, with the project now being more than 88% complete, we aim to ensure that the pipeline can expand in line with the future demand to transport gas into Europe. This is a great opportunity for additional gas resources to reach the European markets, supporting the transition to a cleaner energy mix.”

Marija Savova, Head of Commercial for TAP, added: “As completed segments of the pipeline are handed over for the commissioning phase of the project, we are focused on preparations for commercial operations as an independent transmission system operator and reliable service provider. We will be offering capacity products in line with the Capacity Allocation Mechanism Network Code.”

The market test is conducted under the rules and procedures specified in the Guidelines for the 2019 Market Test of Trans Adriatic Pipeline, approved by the National Regulatory Authorities of Greece, Italy and Albania.

Stakeholders and interested parties can express their interest in participating in the non-binding phase of the market test by submitting the documentation required at market.test@tap-ag.com. More information is available here.

As a highly strategic energy project for the European Union, TAP is recognised as a Project of Common Interest (PCI) by the EU Commission.

About the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)

TAP will transport natural gas from the giant Shah Deniz II field in the Azerbaijani sector of the Caspian Sea to Europe. The 878 km long pipeline connects with the Trans Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP) at the Turkish-Greek border in Kipoi, crosses Greece and Albania and the Adriatic Sea, before coming ashore in Southern Italy.

First gas deliveries to Europe via TAP are expected to start in 2020.

TAP’s routing can facilitate gas supply to several South Eastern European countries. TAP’s landfall in Italy provides multiple opportunities for further transport of Caspian gas to the wider European markets.

TAP promotes economic development and job creation along the pipeline route; it is also a major source of foreign direct investment.

TAP’s shareholding is comprised of BP (20%), SOCAR (20%), Snam (20%), Fluxys (19%), Enagás (16%) and Axpo (5%).