TAP Pipeline to Begin Expanded Operations in 2026 as Southern Gas Corridor Doubles Capacity

The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) is set to begin operating in an expanded mode in 2026, with a 1.2 billion cubic meter (bcm) capacity boost approved in January 2024 now entering its operational phase. The expansion is part of a broader initiative to double the Southern Gas Corridor's overall throughput to approximately 20 billion cubic meters per annum (bcma) by 2027, reinforcing the route's role as Europe's primary non-Russian pipeline gas supply.

The expansion is being driven by both supply-side developments and growing European demand. Completed drilling in Shah Deniz wells during 2025-2026 has secured additional production volumes, while ongoing exploration in pre-Fasila reservoirs could add further supply capacity in the medium term. TAP's senior officials have indicated that the Southern Gas Corridor remains open to all gas producers in the Caspian region, suggesting potential future integration of Turkmen or other Central Asian gas supplies.

The 878-kilometer TAP pipeline, which runs from the Greek-Turkish border through Albania and across the Adriatic Sea to southern Italy, is the final segment of the 3,500-kilometer Southern Gas Corridor. Since achieving full commercial operations in late 2020, the corridor has delivered increasing volumes of Azerbaijani gas to European markets, with supplies rising more than 40 percent between 2021 and 2024.

For European energy security, the TAP expansion arrives at a critical juncture. The continent continues to restructure its gas import portfolio following the disruption of Russian pipeline supplies, and Azerbaijani gas has become one of the few growing non-LNG pipeline sources available. Italy, Greece, Bulgaria, and Albania are the primary beneficiaries, but the expanding network of interconnectors across Southeast Europe is extending access to additional markets.

The expansion has required both physical infrastructure upgrades and commercial adjustments. Additional compressor stations along the pipeline route are increasing pressure and flow rates, while new transportation agreements with European off-takers are being finalized to allocate the expanded capacity.

The Atlantic Council has noted several challenges to the expansion process, including the need for coordinated upgrades across all three segments of the corridor—the South Caucasus Pipeline through Georgia, TANAP through Turkey, and TAP itself. The sequential nature of these upgrades means that overall corridor capacity is determined by the slowest segment to complete its expansion work.

Azerbaijan's energy ministry has framed the corridor expansion as part of a dual strategy that maintains the country's position as a reliable hydrocarbon supplier while simultaneously investing in renewable energy capacity. The revenues from expanded gas sales are expected to partially fund Azerbaijan's ambitious renewable energy targets of 6 GW by 2030.

Market analysts project that Azerbaijani gas will constitute an increasingly important share of European gas imports through the decade, particularly as long-term supply contracts with European utilities are extended and expanded.

Further Reading

• Azerbaijan Boosts Gas Exports to Europe by 56 Percent as Southern Corridor Expands
• Caucasus Green Energy Corridor Agreement Signed in Baku