NEWS

TAP AG Nears Completion of First Phase of Pipeline Expansion, Signals Robust Growth Strategy

OCTOBER 06, 2025

Luca Schieppati, Managing Director of TAP AG, the operator of the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), announced the start of the mandatory 2023 market test phase for expanding the pipeline’s capacity during the Italian Energy Summit. This phase, alongside an optional 2025 market test, enables stakeholders to request additional capacity, potentially driving further pipeline expansion, according to a statement reported by Report.

Schieppati highlighted TAP’s success, noting that in under five years, the pipeline has transported over 50 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe, leveraging reliable Caspian Sea supplies, a dynamic commercial strategy, and resilient infrastructure. “With 46 registered customers, we optimize capacity daily to meet demand,” he said.

The first phase of TAP’s expansion, set to increase capacity by 1.2 billion cubic meters annually from 2026, is nearing completion. This phase will allocate 1 billion cubic meters to Italy and 200 million cubic meters to Albania, boosting the pipeline’s current capacity of 10 billion cubic meters per year. Funded by TAP’s own resources at an estimated cost of €132 million, this phase includes installing an additional compressor unit at the Kipoi station and upgrading existing equipment.

Looking ahead, Schieppati outlined TAP’s commitment to enhancing operational efficiency, fostering innovation, introducing new market products, and supporting the energy transition for long-term sustainability.

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline, a critical segment of the Southern Gas Corridor, stretches 878 kilometers through Greece, Albania, the Adriatic Sea, and Italy. Operational since November 15, 2020, it has facilitated Azerbaijani gas exports to Europe since December 31, 2020. Under an agreement with the EU, Azerbaijan aims to supply at least 16 billion cubic meters of gas annually by 2027, with the first expansion phase contributing significantly to this goal.

https://report.az/en/energy/head-of-tap-ag-work-on-stage-1-of-tap-s-capacity-expansion-nearing-completion