TAP prepares expansion project with investment decision possible in 2027

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) expects to take a final investment decision (FID) on its next expansion phase in the first quarter of 2027, Managing Director Luca Schieppati said. 

According to Schieppati, the project is currently undergoing a regulated Market Test process, allowing shippers to express interest in booking additional long-term transport capacity. The commercial outcome of that process will determine whether the expansion moves forward. 

TAP currently has an annual capacity of 10 billion cubic metres of natural gas, but its infrastructure could eventually be expanded to 20 bcm through the construction of new compressor stations and upgrades to existing facilities.

The pipeline has already completed an initial 1.2 bcm capacity increase, which entered operation in early 2026 as part of broader efforts to strengthen Europe’s energy security and expand the Southern Gas Corridor. 

The planned expansion is seen as a key component of Azerbaijan’s strategy to boost natural gas exports to Europe under the energy partnership framework agreed with the European Union.

N.Tebrizli