Azerbaijan discusses gas supplies to Europe with TAP AG, U.S

BAKU. April 3 (Interfax) - Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov met with TAP AG pipeline company CEO Luca Schieppati in Baku on Thursday to discuss the prospects of expanding the Trans Adriatic Pipeline's (TAP) capacity after 2026, the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry said.

"Shahbazov said that over 45 billion cubic meters of gas have already been delivered to Europe through TAP. Gas supplies via this pipeline meet 15% of Italy's needs and 18% of Greece's," the ministry said.

The meeting took place ahead of the 11th ministerial meeting of the Southern Gas Corridor Advisory Council and the third ministerial meeting of the Green Energy Advisory Council.

"The parties discussed the importance of natural gas and infrastructure development to ensure the reliability of the energy supply. They also reviewed the current progress in TAP's expansion, further steps following the 1.2 billion cubic meter capacity increase from 2026, and methane emissions reduction issues," it said.

Shahbazov also discussed gas supplies to Europe on Thursday with Eric Jacob, senior advisor at the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Energy Resources.

"The parties noted the significant growth in gas supplies to Europe in recent years but highlighted the need for investment in the gas sector and infrastructure to secure additional volumes and sustainable energy security," the ministry said.

Shahbazov and Jacob also acknowledged the role of the energy partnership between Azerbaijan and the U.S. in implementing strategically important projects such as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan and the Southern Gas Corridor.

"In this regard, they assessed the prospects for further cooperation, considering current energy sector realities and Azerbaijan's energy supply diversification through natural gas and renewable energy projects," it said.

The parties also discussed the growing role of electricity and interconnectors, as well as Azerbaijan's potential in the green energy sector.