TAP AG's Roadmap for Hydrogen and Biomethane in Southern Gas Corridor
Key Ideas
- TAP AG consortium is preparing for the transportation of natural gas and hydrogen mixtures, focusing on compliance with hydrogen transportation requirements.
- The project aims to develop a regulatory framework for biomethane use, including a national registry and sustainability verification, to enable virtual purchases of biomethane in Europe.
- The operation of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, part of the Southern Gas Corridor, facilitates Azerbaijani gas exports to Europe, with plans to increase gas supplies to 20 billion cubic meters per year by 2027.
- The pipeline expansion will see Italy and Albania as recipients of Azerbaijani gas, contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions through the use of renewable fuels for turbines.
During the 11th Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting and 3rd Green Energy Advisory Council Ministerial Meeting in Baku, TAP AG Managing Director Luca Schieppati shared insights into the consortium's roadmap for the medium and long-term transportation of natural gas, hydrogen mixtures, and renewable gases. The Trans-Adriatic Pipeline's materials are undergoing testing in international laboratories, with a focus on analyzing equipment for hydrogen transportation compliance. Additionally, efforts are underway to promote biomethane use by establishing a regulatory framework at the EU level, starting with Greece. This initiative includes the creation of a national registry and a system for sustainability verification to enable virtual biomethane purchases in Europe. By utilizing biomethane as a renewable fuel for turbines, the TAP compressor station aims to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from natural gas use. The operational Trans-Adriatic Pipeline, stretching through Greece, Albania, the Adriatic Sea, and Italy, plays a vital role in transporting Azerbaijani gas to Europe. Future plans involve increasing gas supplies to 20 billion cubic meters per year by 2027, with initial phases targeting Italy and Albania as recipients of Azerbaijani gas, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.