The Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) is a major natural gas pipeline project that aims to transport Azerbaijani gas through Georgia and Turkey to European markets.
History
The TANAP project was first proposed by the Presidents of Azerbaijan, Turkey, and Georgia in 2012. On June 26, 2012, an agreement on organizational issues for implementing the project was signed between Azerbaijan and Turkey in Kars. The estimated cost of the project is $12 billion.
Background
The project was announced at the third Black Sea Energy and Economy Forum in Istanbul. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Turkey and Azerbaijan to establish a consortium for the construction and operation of the pipeline. The MoU marked the beginning of the TANAP project, which is seen as a symbol of friendship and fraternity between Turkey and Azerbaijan.
Technical Details
The pipeline will transport natural gas from the Shah Deniz field in Azerbaijan to Europe via Turkey. The initial flow rate of the pipeline is expected to be 16 billion cubic meters per year, increasing to 24 billion cubic meters by 2020 and 31 billion cubic meters by 2026. The first gas transfer is expected to start in 2018.
Importance
By 2026, TANAP will deliver 31 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe annually, making it one of the largest natural gas projects in Turkey. The project is expected to play a significant role in Turkey's energy sector and establish its position as a major player in the global energy field.
Construction and Cost
The construction of the pipeline is managed by SOCAR, Azerbaijan's national oil company. The estimated cost of the project is $12 billion, although some sources estimate it to be around $7 billion.
