TAP to boost natural gas transmission through Azerbaijan

A final decision on whether to double the capacity of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) gas link will be taken early next year, TAP's Managing Director said, adding that the additional gas will come from several Azerbaijani fields, Report informs, citing Euronews.

"If there is enough demand for capacity, we will start the expansion, which can happen in steps," TAP's Luca Schieppati said on the sidelines of the Gastech conference.

"This process from the request of capacity could last maximum a couple of months," he added.

Schieppati said that the ramping up of the pipeline could be done in steps.

"After 36 months, we can deliver the first additional capacity, and after up to 60 months, we can deliver the doubling of the capacity".

At the same time, TAP is also working to make the infrastructure ready to transport hydrogen as well after a feasibility study gave a positive answer.

The next step will be to test the material and the welding of the pipeline in order to be sure that they are compliant with hydrogen transportation, Luca Schieppati said.

The density of hydrogen is lower than that of gas, so to transport the same energy, TAP will need to carry a major quantity of hydrogen.

The European Commission in July signed a memorandum of understanding with Azerbaijan to double imports of Azeri natural gas to at least 20 billion cubic metres a year by 2027.