Azerbaijan Begins Supplying Natural Gas to Germany and Austria
Azerbaijan has initiated the supply of natural gas to Germany and Austria, as reported by its state energy company, SOCAR. This significant development is part of Azerbaijan’s strategy to enhance its role in the European energy market.
Azerbaijan’s Commitment to European Energy Supply
The demand for Azerbaijani gas has surged, particularly following Europe’s efforts to reduce reliance on imports from Russia. This shift comes in the wake of geopolitical tensions, notably after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Gas Export Statistics
- Azerbaijan’s gas exports to Europe stabilized at 12.8 billion cubic meters in 2025.
- Overall gas exports remained unchanged at 25.2 billion cubic meters.
- The new pipeline capacity is expected to allow up to 1 billion cubic meters per year to be supplied to Austria.
Agreements and Pipeline Details
In June 2022, SOCAR signed a 10-year contract with Germany’s SEFE. The agreement entails supplying 1.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually. This deal signifies a robust long-term partnership between Azerbaijan and Germany.
Natural gas is being delivered to Central and Southern European markets through the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). This pipeline serves as the European segment of the Southern Gas Corridor, which is crucial for diversifying Europe’s energy sources.
Future Prospects
The future of Azerbaijani gas exports hinges on two main factors: investments in pipeline infrastructure and an increase in production capacity. SOCAR has also noted an expansion in TAP’s capacity by an additional 1.2 billion cubic meters starting this year, facilitating increased delivery volumes.
As a result of these developments, the number of European countries importing Azerbaijani gas has risen to 16. This expansion marks a significant achievement for Azerbaijan in strengthening its position in the European energy landscape.
