Azerbaijan's Southern Gas Corridor Ensures Uninterrupted Energy Supply to Europe

Strategic Insights -

Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov has highlighted the significance of the Southern Gas Corridor in ensuring a stable supply of energy to regional and international markets. Speaking at the 6th Summit of the Heads of State and Government of member states of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) in Doha, Qatar, Shahbazov emphasized the importance of balancing energy security with environmental considerations. He noted that Azerbaijan's recognition as a reliable supplier is based on its commitment to accurate forecasting, international cooperation, and sustainable energy development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Southern Gas Corridor is a European Commission initiative for a natural gas supply route from the Caspian and Middle Eastern regions to Europe.
  • The pipeline connects Azerbaijan to Europe through the South Caucasus Pipeline, Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).
  • The pipeline's initial capacity is approximately 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, with the option to increase capacity up to 20 billion cubic meters.
  • Azerbaijan has started commercial gas supplies to Europe via this route, with 8.1 billion cubic meters of gas supplied in the first year.
  • The country intends to supply 9 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Europe through the Southern Gas Corridor by 2022.
  • Parviz Shahbazov emphasized the importance of balancing energy security with environmental considerations and praised Azerbaijan's recognition as a reliable supplier and important partner in ensuring energy security.
  • The ongoing energy crisis highlights the need for diverse energy sources and supply routes, which is being addressed through the Southern Gas Corridor.

Statistics:

  • The pipeline's initial capacity is approximately 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year.
  • Azerbaijan supplied 8.1 billion cubic meters of gas to European markets in the first year of operation instead of the planned 5 billion cubic meters.
  • The country intends to supply 9 billion cubic meters of natural gas to Europe through the Southern Gas Corridor by 2022.
  • The pipeline's capacity has the option to increase up to 20 billion cubic meters per year.

Sources:

  • Ayya Lmahamad, "Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov: Southern Gas Corridor ensures uninterrupted supply of Azerbaijani gas to regional and international markets", AzerNews, no date cited
  • Ayya Lmahamadi, "Azerbaijan starts commercial gas supplies to Europe via Southern Gas Corridor", AzerNews, no date cited