TAP AG awaits 2025 results from new hydrogen blend transport tests

Pipeline operator TAP AG expects to receive results this year from a new phase of testing aimed at preparing the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) infrastructure for the transport of a hydrogen-natural gas blend.

Report informs, citing TAP AG, that the company is committed to developing TAP's infrastructure to accommodate hydrogen mixed with natural gas.

"We are currently assessing the technical feasibility of this project and have developed a medium- and long-term roadmap. A preliminary study conducted in 2021 confirmed TAP's potential in this area. The first stage of material testing, conducted in an international laboratory, was completed in Q4 2024 and is currently under analysis," the company stated.

TAP AG noted that the second phase of testing is already underway, with results expected by the end of 2025.

"Once received, the materials will undergo thorough evaluation. Additionally, a gap analysis of TAP's above-ground equipment is being conducted to assess readiness for hydrogen transport. The findings from this analysis will also guide further decision-making. Upon completing all assessments, TAP will be able to determine its hydrogen readiness more precisely, including whether infrastructure upgrades are required and to what extent,” the company added.

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline is the final segment of the Southern Gas Corridor, designed to transport Azerbaijani gas from the Caspian Sea to Europe. Commercial operations began on November 15, 2020. The 878-km pipeline runs through Greece, Albania, the Adriatic Sea, and Italy.

Azerbaijan started exporting gas to Europe on December 31, 2020. Under an agreement with the EU, gas deliveries from Azerbaijan are expected to reach at least 16 billion cubic meters (bcm) per year by 2027. As part of TAP’s first expansion phase, Italy will receive 1 bcm, and Albania 200 million cubic meters of Azerbaijani gas.

To date, 45.6 bcm of gas has been delivered to Europe via TAP.