SGC in core of discussions at World Energy Congress
By Nigar Abbasova
The implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), a large scale-project aimed at improving the security and diversity of the EU’s energy supply, is in the spotlight of discussions during the 23rd World Energy Congress in Istanbul.
Bulgarian Deputy Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov, speaking at the
event said that the project is totally beneficial, while it has a
number of other important aspects along with transportation of the
natural gas.
Mentioning the importance of the project, Stankov said the numerous
companies and governments have already come together for SGC.
Stankov added that Bulgaria places a huge emphasis on the
project.
Being one of the biggest construction projects of our times SGC with a value of $45 billion will bring some 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas from the Caspian region to Europe. Stretching over the area of 3,500 kilometres, crossing seven countries and involving more than a dozen major energy companies, SGC comprises several separate energy projects, including TANAP, South Caucasus Pipeline, Trans Adriatic Pipeline, and Shah Deniz development.
TANAP General Manager Saltuk Duzyol, in turn, said the first Turkey-Georgia border part of the TANAP project, which is a part of a natural gas supply chain, is expected to be completed in 2018, while the second part from Eskisehir to the Greek border will be finished by the end of 2019.
The project is intended to maintain energy security, while the progress in its implementation, whilst vast majority of other major projects is practically stalled proves its pivotal importance in this regard.
At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.
The 23rd World Energy Congress is underway in Istanbul October 9-13 at the initiative of Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Berat Albayrak under the auspices of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews’ staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova
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