Expert: Doubling TAP capacity to support EU efforts to meet gas demand

Start of the expansion of the transport capacity of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline and plans to double it may help both Italy and the entire EU meet their gas needs, Italian political scientist, senior analyst at Geopolitica.info Salvatore Santangelo told Report.

“The role of Azerbaijani natural gas in the Italian market has become increasingly important over the years. According to official estimates, Azerbaijani natural gas imports to Europe grew by 42% last year compared to 2021. These results were achieved by maximizing flows along existing routes such as the Trans Adriatic Pipeline. The much-discussed doubling of current transport capacity could help both Italy and the EU meet their natural gas needs,” he said.

Santangelo noted that the current Italian government promulgated the so-called Mattei plan, in the center of which is the energy sector, since Italy has the opportunity to play the role of a transcontinental oil and gas transportation hub.

“With the support of Azerbaijan, which is increasing gas supplies to Europe, the Mattei plan can become a reality. Such a comprehensive transformation was envisaged by the authorities of Italy and the EU, it has already received the green light, and it is only a matter of time and investment,” he concluded.