SOCAR is trying to diversify routes and sources of energy carriers to Europe, said SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev.

He noted SOCAR contributed to European energy security with this: “Today, process of preparing of several projects is underway in Europe. We started to implement Southern Gas Corridor for transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Turkey and Europe. At the same time, we may note Petkim modernization, construction of STAR Refinery, SOCAR’s sale points in Georgia, Ukraine, Romania, Switzerland, projects in Malta and Greece. SGC aims transportation of natural gas from Shahdeniz to Turkey and Europe via TAP and TANAP.

The first gas will be extracted from the field in 2018. SGC is the biggest project of SOCAR. Over 26,000 people were involved in construction of the project. Works are being carried out in Turkey and Georgia under the schedule. Over $2 billion has been invested in TANAP so far. Moreover, there are permissions for construction of TAP in Greece. We also appreciate Albania’s support and its tie with TAP. The final station of this project is Italy. We are waiting for signing of other contracts within TAP”.