ΑΠΟΦΑΣΗ ΤΟΥ ΚΛΑΔΟΥ ΕΝΕΡΓΕΙΑΣ ΤΗΣ ΡΑΑΕΥ ΥΠ’ ΑΡΙΘΜ. Ε-163/2025

(2013)2949 final για την εξαίρεση του αγωγού TAP AG από τις διατάξεις των άρθρων 9, 32 και 41

(6),

(8)και

(10)της Οδηγίας 2009/73/ΕΚ και τροποποίηση της υπ. αριθμ. 111/2013 απόφασης της ΡΑΕ» (Β’ 1833) με την οποία εγκρίθηκε το κείμενο με τίτλο «Final Joint Opinion of the Energy Regulators on TAP AG's Exemption Application: Autorita per l'energia elettrica e il gas (Italy), Enti Rregullator I Energjise (Albania), Ρυθμιστική Αρχή Ενέργειας (Greece)», καθώς και τις από 6 Ιουνίου 2013 υπ’ αριθμ. 249/2013/R/gas Απόφαση της Ιταλικής Ρυθμιστικής Αρχής (AEEG), την από 13 Ιουνίου 2013 υπ’ αριθμ. 64 Απόφαση της Αλβανικής Ρυθμιστικής Αρχής Ενέργειας (ERE) και την από 25 Ιουνίου απόφαση του Ιταλικού Υπουργείου Οικονομικής Ανάπτυξης (Ministero dello Sviluppo Economico), με τις οποίες επίσης εγκρίθηκε το ως άνω κείμενο (εφεξής η «Κοινή Απόφαση Εξαίρεσης»).

1. Την αριθμ. 531/2013 απόφαση της ΡΑΕ (Β΄ 3003) με θέμα «Έγκριση του Κανονισμού Τιμολόγησης της εταιρείας “TAP A.G.” για τον αγωγό TAP», καθώς και τις αποφάσεις AEEG 495/2013/R/gas (6/11/2013), και ERE n. 127 (7.11.2013) των Ρυθμιστικών Αρχών της Ιταλίας και της Αλβανίας, αντίστοιχα, με τις οποίες εγκρίθηκε ο Κανονισμός Τιμολόγησης για τον αγωγό TAP (εφεξής «Κανονισμός Τιμολόγησης»), καθώς και την υπ΄αριθμ. 708/2018 Απόφαση ΡΑΕ (Β’ 3661), απόφαση AEEGSI 382/2018/R/GAS-12.07.2018 και απόφαση ERE n. 168, 19.07.2018, με τις οποίες εγκρίθηκε η πρώτη τροποποίηση του Κανονισμού Τιμολόγησης καθώς και τις αποφάσεις Ε-242/2025 (Β’ 6867) του Κλάδου Ενέργειας της ΡΑΑΕΥ, ARERA 455/2024/R/gas (5.11.2024) και ERE No.237 (5.11.2024) με τις οποίες εγκρίθηκε η δεύτερη τροποποίηση του Κανονισμού Τιμολόγησης.
2. Την υπ’ αριθμ. 431/2014 Απόφαση της ΡΑΕ περί χορήγησης Άδειας Ανεξάρτητου Συστήματος Φυσικού Αερίου (εφεξής «ΑΣΦΑ») στην εταιρεία με την επωνυμία «Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG» (TAP AG), όπως αυτή τροποποιήθηκε με τις υπ’ αριθμ. 393/2015, 470/2019 και Ε-35/2024 Αποφάσεις της Αρχής.
3. Την υπ’ αριθμ. 131/2015 Απόφαση της ΡΑΕ (Β’ 856) «Συμμόρφωση της ΡΑΕ κατά την παράγραφο 9 του άρθρου 36 της Οδηγίας 2009/73/ΕC με την από 17.03.2015 Απόφαση της Ευρωπαϊκής Επιτροπής υπ’ αριθμ. C

(2015)1852 final για την έγκριση του αιτήματος της εταιρείας ΤΑP AG για την επέκταση της χρονικής διάρκειας της εξαίρεσης του αγωγού TRANS ADRIATIC PIPELINE (TAP) από τις διατάξεις των άρθρων 9, 32 και 41

(6),

(8)και

(10)της -2- ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ Οδηγίας 2009/73/ΕΚ», με την οποία εγκρίθηκε το κείμενο «Energy Regulators’ Joint Opinion on TAP AG’s request for a prolongation of the validity period of the exemption decision having regard to the Commission Decision [C

(2015)1852 final of 17 March 2015 and having taken note of the Opinion 1/2015 of the Energy Community Secretariat of 17 March 2015», καθώς και τις αντίστοιχες Αποφάσεις 159/R/gas/9.4.2015 της ARERA και 52/17.4.2015 της ERE (εφεξής «η Κοινή Απόφαση Εξαίρεσης, όπως ισχύει»).

1. Την υπ’ αριθμ. 752/2020 Απόφαση της ΡΑΕ με την οποία χορηγήθηκε στην εταιρεία TAP AG Άδεια Διαχείρισης Ανεξάρτητου Συστήματος Φυσικού Αερίου (ΑΣΦΑ) για το τμήμα του αγωγού TAP που διέρχεται από την Ελλάδα, όπως τροποποιήθηκε με την υπ΄αριθμ. Ε35/2024 Απόφαση του Κλάδου Ενέργειας της ΡΑΑΕΥ.
2. Την υπ’ αριθμ. 1036/2020 Απόφαση της ΡΑΕ καθώς και τις αποφάσεις της ARERA 218/2020/R/gas και της ΕRE N. 97/15.06.2020 με τις οποίες εγκρίθηκε ο Κώδικας Διαχείρισης του αγωγού Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) σύμφωνα με την κοινή Απόφαση των Ρυθμιστικών Αρχών της Ελλάδας, Ιταλίας και Αλβανίας, όπως τροποποιήθηκε με τις Αποφάσεις ΡΑΕ 265/2022 (B’ 1768), ARERA 104/2022/R/gas και ERE N. 45/18.03.2022 [1η τροποποίηση], τις αποφάσεις της ΡΑΕ 199/2023 (Β’ 2438), ARERA (127/2023/R/gas) και ERE (N. 115/30.03.2023) [2η τροποποίηση] και τις αποφάσεις Ε-242/2024 (Β’ 6867) του Κλάδου Ενέργειας της Αρχής, της ARERA 455/2024/R/gas (5/11/2024) και της ERE No.237/5.11.2024 [3η τροποποίηση] (εφεξής «Κώδικας Διαχείρισης»).
3. Την υπ‘ αρ. 651/2019 Απόφαση της ΡΑΕ καθώς και τις αποφάσεις ARERA 267/2019/R/gas (25/06/2019) και ERE n. 95/17.06.2019 των Ρυθμιστικών Αρχών της Ιταλίας και της Αλβανίας, αντίστοιχα, με τις οποίες εγκρίθηκαν οι Κατευθυντήριες Γραμμές για την Πρόσκληση Εκδήλωσης Ενδιαφέροντος της Δοκιμής Αγοράς του έτους 2019 για την επαύξηση δυναμικότητας του αγωγού Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).
4. Tην υπ΄αρ. 426/2021 Απόφαση της ΡΑΕ1 καθώς και τις σχετικές αποφάσεις της ARERA 189/2021/R/GAS (11.05.2021) και της ERE 122/11.05.2021 με τις οποίες εγκρίθηκε η Πρόταση Έργου Επαυξημένης ∆υναμικότητας των ∆ιαχειριστών ΤΑΡ, SNAM και ∆ΕΣΦΑ.
5. Την υπ‘ αρ. 517/2021 Απόφαση της ΡΑΕ2 καθώς και τις αποφάσεις ARERA 273/2021/R/gas, 28/06/2021 και ERE n. 151/29.06.2021 των Ρυθμιστικών Αρχών της Ιταλίας και της Αλβανίας, αντίστοιχα, με τις οποίες εγκρίθηκαν οι Κατευθυντήριες Γραμμές για την Πρόσκληση Εκδήλωσης Ενδιαφέροντος της Δοκιμής Αγοράς του Έτους 2021 για την επαύξηση δυναμικότητας του αγωγού Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).
6. Την υπ‘ αρ. 818/2022 Απόφαση της ΡΑΕ καθώς και τις αποφάσεις ARERA 548/2022/R/gas (02/11/2022) και ERE no. 270 (2/11/2022) των Ρυθμιστικών Αρχών της Ιταλίας και της Αλβανίας, αντίστοιχα, με τις οποίες εγκρίθηκε η Πρόταση Έργου Επαυξημένης Δυναμικότητας των Διαχειριστών TAP, SNAM και ΔΕΣΦΑ από τη Δοκιμή Αγοράς του Έτους 2021 για τον αγωγό TAP.
7. Την υπ‘ αρ. E-63/2023 Απόφαση του Κλάδου Ενέργειας της ΡΑΑΕΥ καθώς και τις αποφάσεις ARERA 287/2023/R/gas (27/06/2023) και ERE N. 212/29.06.2023, των Ρυθμιστικών Αρχών της Ιταλίας και της Αλβανίας, αντίστοιχα, με τις οποίες εγκρίθηκαν οι 1 https://diavgeia.gov.gr/doc/ΩΙ3ΥΙΔΞ-Υ5Θ 2 https://www.rae.gr/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/01.07.21.pdf -3- ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ Κατευθυντήριες Γραμμές για την Πρόσκληση Εκδήλωσης Ενδιαφέροντος της Δοκιμής Αγοράς του Έτους 2023 για την επαύξηση δυναμικότητας του αγωγού Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP).
8. Την υπ΄αρ. Ε-162/2023 Απόφαση του Κλάδου Ενέργειας της ΡΑΑΕΥ καθώς και τις αποφάσεις ARERA 287/2023/R/gas (27/06/2023) και ERE N. 212/29.06.2023, των Ρυθμιστικών Αρχών της Ιταλίας και της Αλβανίας, αντίστοιχα, με τις οποίες εγκρίθηκε η Πρόταση έργου Επαυξημένης Δυναμικότητας των Διαχειριστών ΤΑΡ, SNAM και ΔΕΣΦΑ για τη δεύτερη δεσμευτική φάση της Δοκιμής Αγοράς (Market Test)
10. Το από 29.06.2025 ηλεκτρονικό έγγραφο της TAP AG με θέμα « Guidelines for the 2025 Market Test of Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG -submission for approval» (ΡAΑΕY Ι397041/17.06.2025).
11. Τις τηλεδιασκέψεις και την εν γένει συνεργασία που έλαβαν χώρα μεταξύ των στελεχών των Ρυθμιστικών Αρχών Ελλάδας, Αλβανίας και Ιταλίας και της εταιρείας TAP AG κατά τη διάρκεια του έτους 2025 αναφορικά με την επικείμενη Πρόσκληση Εκδήλωση Ενδιαφέροντος 2025 για την επαύξηση της δυναμικότητας του αγωγού TAP.
12. Το γεγονός ότι οι διατάξεις της παρούσας δεν αφορούν σε διοικητική διαδικασία για την οποία υπάρχει υποχρέωση καταχώρισης στο ΕΜΔΔ -ΜΙΤΟΣ.
13. Το γεγονός ότι από την παρούσα απόφαση δεν προκαλείται επιβάρυνση στον κρατικό προϋπολογισμό. Σκέφτηκε ως εξής: Επειδή, με το ν. 4217/2013 (σχετικό 5) κυρώθηκε η από 26 Ιουνίου 2013 Συμφωνία Φιλοξενούσας Χώρας μεταξύ της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας και της εταιρείας Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG, με την οποία συμφωνήθηκε η ανάπτυξη εντός της Ελληνικής επικράτειας αγωγού φυσικού αερίου που θα ξεκινά από την Ελληνική Δημοκρατία στα σύνορα μεταξύ της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας και της Δημοκρατίας της Τουρκίας και θα συνεχίζει, μέσω της Ελληνικής Δημοκρατίας και της Δημοκρατίας της Αλβανίας και υποθαλάσσια μέσω της Αδριατικής θάλασσας, στην Ιταλική Δημοκρατία για τη μεταφορά φυσικού αερίου που παράγεται από την φάση ΙΙ του πεδίου Shah Deniz στη Δημοκρατία του Αζερμπαϊτζάν για παράδοση στις ευρωπαϊκές αγορές. Συγκεκριμένα, η είσοδος του αγωγού είναι στο σημείο Κήποι στα σύνορα Ελλάδας-Τουρκίας, όπου το φυσικό αέριο θα παραλαμβάνεται από τον αγωγό TANAP, στην Κομοτηνή θα υπάρχει Σημείο Διασύνδεσης (ΣΔ) με τον αγωγό IGB, στην περιοχή της Νέας Μεσημβρίας ΣΔ με το Εθνικό Σύστημα Φυσικού Αερίου (ΕΣΦΑ), δύο μελλοντικά ΣΔ στην επικράτεια της Αλβανίας, και ο αγωγός θα καταλήγει στην περιοχή Meledugno της Ιταλίας σε διασύνδεση με το εθνικό ιταλικό σύστημα που διαχειρίζεται η εταιρεία SNAM Rete Gas. Επειδή, με το σχετικό 9, όπως τροποποιήθηκε και ισχύει με το σχετικό 12 χορηγήθηκε στην εταιρεία ΤΑΡ AG (εφεξής, η «Εταιρεία»), σύμφωνα με τις διατάξεις του άρθρου 36 της Οδηγίας 2009/73/ΕΚ, Κοινή Απόφαση Εξαίρεσης από την εφαρμογή των διατάξεων των άρθρων 9, 32 και 41

(6),

(8)και

(10)της εν λόγω Οδηγίας για τον αγωγό Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) και για χρονικό διάστημα είκοσι πέντε

(25)ετών από την έναρξη εμπορικής λειτουργίας του αγωγού. -4- ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ Συγκεκριμένα, χορηγήθηκε εξαίρεση από α) τις διατάξεις του άρθρου 9 περί ιδιοκτησιακού διαχωρισμού, β) τις διατάξεις του άρθρου 32 περί πρόσβασης τρίτων μόνο για την αρχική δυναμικότητα του αγωγού TAP (Initial Capacity) ύψους 10 δις κ.μ./έτος (bcma) και μόνο για την κατεύθυνση φυσικής ροής, και γ) τις διατάξεις του άρθρου 41 παρ.

(6),

(8)και

(10)περί ρύθμισης τιμολογίων για το σύνολο της δυναμικότητας του αγωγού. Με την Απόφαση Εξαίρεσης οι αρμόδιες Ρυθμιστικές Αρχές Ενέργειας της Ελλάδας (ΡΑΕ, νυν ΡΑΑΕΥ), Αλβανίας (ERE) και Ιταλίας (AEEG, νυν ARERA), έθεσαν στην εταιρεία TAP AG την υποχρέωση επαύξησης της μεταφορικής ικανότητας του αγωγού έως τα 20 δισεκατομμύρια κυβικά μέτρα/έτος ή και περισσότερο, μέσω μηχανισμών αγοράς και σύμφωνα με τις βέλτιστες πρακτικές της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης εφόσον υπάρχει ζήτηση και η επέκταση κριθεί οικονομικά αποδοτική, όπως προβλέπεται στα σημεία, 7, 8 και 9 της παραγράφου 4.1 της Απόφασης Εξαίρεσης «

1. Obligation to perform subsequent market tests - TAP AG is obliged to perform other Market Tests on a regular basis starting from no later than the Commercial Operations Date and, subsequently, at least every two years. TAP AG will perform the Market Tests, under guidelines to be approved by the Authorities, with the view to offer to all interested parties additional available capacity up to the Total Capacity.
2. Obligation to build Expansion Capacity - In order to fulfill the binding capacity requests resulting from each market test described in point 7, TAP AG will extend the capacity of the pipeline. TAP AG is obliged to build additional capacity, above the Initial Capacity, in order to accommodate the binding capacity requests resulting from each market test taking into account the provisions of points 2, 6 and 9 of §4.
3. TAP AG shall enter into a binding agreement to have the requested capacity constructed no later than 2 months following the closing date of the market test. If TAP AG considers that, in spite of such binding capacity requests, a pipeline expansion is not economically viable, TAP AG is obliged to demonstrate this situation to the Authorities within one month following the closing date of the market test. If so requested by the Authorities, TAP will provide an opinion by a third, independent party. In case such an Opinion is requested by the Authorities, the one month deadline is extended by two months. The Authorities will decide upon the economic viability of a pipeline expansion within one month after receipt of TAP AG's submission or receipt of the opinion from an independent third party, as the case may be. TAP AG shall enter into a binding agreement to have the Expansion Capacity constructed no later than 2 months after the Authorities have deemed its construction economically viable. The expansion is economically viable if the incremental revenues from capacity resulting from each market test is equal or larger than the efficient incremental costs, quantified according to the TAP methodology as laid down in the TAP Tari_ Code. To the extent that (in accordance with Article 4 of the present Decision) the TAP Tariff Code will remunerate TAP AG differently for Initial Capacity and Expansion Capacity, proper account will be taken in the TAP Tariff Code to ensure that the test for deciding whether construction of the Expansion Capacity is economically viable is unaffected.
4. Possibility to further expand capacity - Expansion beyond the Total Capacity, i.e. beyond 20 bcm/year, shall be investigated by TAP AG and if economically and technically feasible, it will be undertaken, with a view to fulfill all requests for long-term capacity (long-term means here a duration of more than 15 years).». -5- ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ Επειδή, κατά τα ανωτέρω η ΤΑΡ ΑG διεξήγαγε Δοκιμές Αγοράς (Market Tests) κάθε δύο έτη, εκκινώντας ήδη πριν την έναρξη της εμπορικής λειτουργίας του αγωγού, ήτοι τo έτος 2019, καθώς και μετά την έναρξη της εμπορικής λειτουργίας του αγωγού, ήτοι τα έτη 2021 και 2023, και οφείλει να προχωρήσει σε νέα Δοκιμή Αγοράς, εντός του 2025, για επαύξηση της δυναμικότητας του αγωγού, σύμφωνα με τα οριζόμενα στην Κοινή Απόφαση Εξαίρεσης. Επισημαίνεται ότι σύμφωνα με την Απόφαση Εξαίρεσης, εξαίρεση από τις διατάξεις του άρθρου 32 της Οδηγίας περί πρόσβασης τρίτων έχει χορηγηθεί μόνο για την αρχική δυναμικότητα, ενώ πιθανή αύξηση δυναμικότητας θα είναι ρυθμιζόμενη όσον αφορά την πρόσβαση τρίτων. Περαιτέρω, σύμφωνα με την Απόφαση εξαίρεσης εφαρμόζεται και ο Κανονισμός (ΕΚ) 715/2009, στο βαθμό που δεν έρχεται σε αντίθεση με την Απόφαση. Ομοίως, τυγχάνει εφαρμογής και ο Κανονισμός (ΕΕ) 459/2017 με τον οποίο θεσπίζεται κώδικας δικτύου σχετικά με μηχανισμούς κατανομής δυναμικότητας στα συστήματα μεταφοράς αερίου (εφεξής, «Κανονισμός CAM»), δεδομένου ότι ο εν λόγω Κανονισμός εκδόθηκε κατ’ εξουσιοδότηση του Κανονισμού (ΕΚ) 715/
5. Επειδή, ο Κανονισμός CAM περιγράφει συγκεκριμένη διαδικασία με την οποία πραγματοποιείται επαύξηση δυναμικότητας σε σημεία διασύνδεσης (Interconnection Points). Επιγραμματικά και επί της αρχής, η διαδικασία (Incremental Capacity Procedure) είναι η ακόλουθη: αρχικά προσδιορίζεται συγκεκριμένο χρονικό περιθώριο κατά το οποίο όποιος ενδιαφέρεται να μεταφέρει φυσικό αέριο εντός της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης υποβάλλει μη δεσμευτικό αίτημα (Demand Indication) στους αρμόδιους διαχειριστές. Ακολούθως, οι διαχειριστές εκπονούν κοινή έκθεση εκτίμησης ζήτησης (Demand Assessment Report) αξιολογώντας τα αιτήματα. Βάσει των αποτελεσμάτων, οι διαχειριστές αποφασίζουν αν θα προχωρήσουν σε αναλυτικό σχεδιασμό των αιτηθέντων έργων. Στην περίπτωση αυτή υποβάλλουν πρόταση προς έγκριση στους αρμόδιους ρυθμιστές για δύο τουλάχιστον εναλλακτικά επίπεδα σχεδιασμού. Εάν η πρόταση εγκριθεί, η προς ανάπτυξη δυναμικότητα τίθεται υπό δημοπράτηση. Οι ενδιαφερόμενοι καταθέτουν δεσμευτικές προσφορές. Βάσει των προσφορών, διενεργείται οικονομική δοκιμή για το κατά πόσον το έργο κρίνεται οικονομικά αποδοτικό. Εάν το αποτέλεσμα είναι θετικό, οι διαχειριστές υποχρεούνται να υλοποιήσουν το έργο επαύξησης της δυναμικότητας. Η βέλτιστη πρακτική για τη διεξαγωγή Δοκιμής Αγοράς (Market Test) περιλαμβάνει δύο στάδια προσφορών, ένα μη δεσμευτικό και ένα δεσμευτικό, και στη συνέχεια λαμβάνεται η τελική επενδυτική απόφαση (Final Investment Decision, FID) για το έργο επαύξησης δυναμικότητας βάσει της εκτιμώμενης οικονομικής αποδοτικότητας του έργου. Οι Ρυθμιστικές Αρχές Ενέργειας της Ελλάδας, της Ιταλίας και της Αλβανίας έχουν ήδη συνεργαστεί εκτενώς στο παρελθόν για την έγκριση των Κατευθυντήριων Γραμμών για τη διεξαγωγή των Δοκιμών Αγοράς των ετών 2019, 2021 και 2023 (σχετικά 15, 17 και 19), κατά τρόπο ώστε να εφαρμοστεί κατά το δυνατόν ο Κανονισμός CAM, στο βαθμό που δεν αντιβαίνει στην Απόφαση Εξαίρεσης. Η επαύξηση, δηλαδή, της δυναμικότητας του αγωγού TAP όπως προβλέπεται από την Απόφαση Εξαίρεσης, να συνδυαστεί κατάλληλα με την επαύξηση δυναμικότητας σε Σημεία Διασύνδεσης από κοινού με τους γειτονικούς διαχειριστές, όπως περιγράφεται στον Κανονισμό CAM. Επειδή, με το σχετικό 21 η εταιρεία TAP AG υπέβαλε την πρότασή της για τον καθορισμό των Κατευθυντηρίων Γραμμών βάσει των οποίων θα διεξαχθεί η Δοκιμή Αγοράς του Έτους 2025, οι -6- ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ οποίες δε διαφοροποιούνται ουσιαστικά από τις Κατευθυντήριες Γραμμές των προηγούμενων Δοκιμών Αγοράς που εγκρίθηκαν από τις τρεις Ρυθμιστικές Αρχές. Στο κείμενο της πρότασης του Διαχειριστή για τις Κατευθυντήριες Γραμμές προβλέπονται, ιδίως, τα ακόλουθα:: α) Η διαδικασία της Δοκιμής Αγοράς του έτους 2025 χωρίζεται σε δύο φάσεις, μια μη δεσμευτική φάση (η οποία περιλαμβάνει την αξιολόγηση της ζήτησης και τον σχεδιασμό της επέκτασης) και μια δεσμευτική φάση (η οποία περιλαμβάνει μια περίοδο ενημέρωσης και μια δεσμευτική φάση υποβολής προσφορών) όπως περιγράφεται επίσης στον Κανονισμό CAM. β) Η διαδικασία είναι ανοιχτή σε όλα τα Ενδιαφερόμενα Μέρη, δηλαδή σε οποιοδήποτε νομικό πρόσωπο ενδιαφέρεται να υποβάλει μη δεσμευτικές ενδείξεις ζήτησης δυναμικότητας στον TAP και να συμμετάσχει στην Δοκιμή Αγοράς του TAP με διαφανή και αμερόληπτο τρόπο. γ) Κατά τη διάρκεια της Δοκιμής Αγοράς, όλα τα Ενδιαφερόμενα Μέρη μπορούν να ζητήσουν επέκταση της δυναμικότητας εισόδου ή/και εξόδου στο Σύστημα Μεταφοράς του TAP, καθώς και την κατασκευή νέων σημείων εισόδου ή/και εξόδου κατά μήκος του συστήματος μεταφοράς του TAP. δ) Τα ενδιαφερόμενα μέρη είναι υπεύθυνα να διασφαλίσουν ότι οι Δεσμευτικές Προσφορές τους συμμορφώνονται με οποιοδήποτε ισχύον Όριο Χωρητικότητας (Capacity Cap) σύμφωνα με τα οριζόμενα στην Κοινή Απόφαση Εξαίρεσης (FJO). Για τον σκοπό αυτό, οι αιτούντες οφείλουν να παρέχουν στην TAP AG και στις Αρχές τις πληροφορίες σχετικά με τη Δεσμευτική Προσφορά που υποβλήθηκε στην TAP AG, καθώς και οποιεσδήποτε άλλες πληροφορίες που ενδέχεται να ζητήσουν οι Αρχές (οι λεπτομέρειες των επικοινωνιών και της αλληλεπίδρασης για τους σκοπούς της αξιολόγησης θα εισαχθούν στην Ειδοποίηση της Δεσμευτικής Φάσης και στην Πρόταση Έργου). ε) Τα Ενδιαφερόμενα Μέρη που υποβάλλουν τις μη δεσμευτικές ενδείξεις ζήτησης στον TAP έχουν την ευθύνη να υποβάλουν τυχόν αντίστοιχες μη δεσμευτικές ενδείξεις ζήτησης στους σχετικούς γειτονικούς Διαχειριστές Συστημάτων Μεταφοράς (ΔΣΜ) σύμφωνα με τους κανόνες του Κανονισμού CAM ή να δεσμεύσουν δυναμικότητα στις διασυνδέσεις σύμφωνα με τις σχετικές διαδικασίες σε χώρες εκτός ΕΕ. στ) Η Έκθεση Αξιολόγησης Ζήτησης (Demand Assessment Report, DAR) καταρτίζεται και δημοσιεύεται από κοινού με τους Γειτονικούς ΔΣΜ της ΕΕ και θα περιλαμβάνει την πιθανή ζήτηση για επέκταση στα σημεία διασύνδεσης. Οι εκθέσεις θα βασίζονται στο πρότυπο που έχει αναπτύξει το Ευρωπαϊκό Δίκτυο Διαχειριστών Συστημάτων Μεταφοράς Αερίου («ΕΔΔΣΜ Αερίου», ή ENTSOG). ζ) Για να διασφαλιστεί η ουσιαστική συμμετοχή στη μη δεσμευτική φάση της Δοκιμής Αγοράς, κάθε Ενδιαφερόμενο Μέρος που επιθυμεί να συμμετάσχει στη Δοκιμή Αγοράς καταβάλλει Τέλος Συμμετοχής ύψους 10.000 EUR. Το τέλος συμμετοχής επιστρέφεται στα αντίστοιχα ενδιαφερόμενα μέρη μετά από επιτυχή δοκιμή οικονομικής βιωσιμότητας και υπογραφή τουλάχιστον μίας Συμφωνίας Μεταφοράς Φυσικού Αερίου με οποιονδήποτε χρήστη. -7- ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ η) Ο TAP δύναται να ζητήσει αμοιβές και για την εκτέλεση τεχνικών μελετών που απαιτούνται από τα μη δεσμευτικά Αιτήματα δέσμευσης δυναμικότητας και σύνδεσης (π.χ. για την εξακρίβωση της τεχνικής σκοπιμότητας μιας σύνδεσης πριν από μια Δεσμευτική Φάση ή σε σχέση με μια πρόωρη ημερομηνία έναρξης δέσμευσης δυναμικότητας που απαιτεί επένδυση πριν από την ολοκλήρωση μιας Δεσμευτικής Φάσης ή σε σχέση με ζήτηση που υπερβαίνει τη Συνολική Δυναμικότητα του TAP, όπως αναφέρεται στην ενότητα 4.1.9 του FJO). Οι λεπτομέρειες των εν λόγω αμοιβών συμφωνούνται ξεχωριστά με τις αρμόδιες Αρχές, δημοσιεύονται στον ιστότοπο του TAP και κοινοποιούνται στα σχετικά Ενδιαφερόμενα Μέρη. θ) Οι Κατευθυντήριες Γραμμές για τη Δοκιμή Αγοράς του 2025 διασφαλίζουν τον συντονισμό με την Δοκιμή Αγοράς του 2023 που βρίσκεται σε εξέλιξη, επομένως (i) Η μη δεσμευτική φάση της Δοκιμής Αγοράς του 2025 θα ξεκινήσει πριν από την ολοκλήρωση της δεσμευτικής φάσης του 2023 και (ii) μετά τη δημοσίευση της κατανομής δυναμικότητας στο πλαίσιο της Δεσμευτικής Φάσης της Δοκιμής Αγοράς του 2023, όλα τα Ενδιαφερόμενα Μέρη από τη Μη Δεσμευτική Φάση της Δοκιμής Αγοράς του 2025 θα έχουν την ευκαιρία να αναθεωρήσουν τις Μη Δεσμευτικές Ενδείξεις Ζήτησής τους. Επειδή, η πρόταση του Διαχειριστή για τις Κατευθυντήριες Γραμμές για τη Δοκιμή Αγοράς του Έτους 2025 είναι σύμφωνη με τα οριζόμενα στην Κοινή Απόφαση Εξαίρεσης και στον Ευρωπαϊκό Κανονισμό CAM. Επίσης, κάθε έγκριση ή εν γένει πράξη που απορρέει από την Απόφαση Εξαίρεσης αποτελεί κοινή απόφαση των τριών Ρυθμιστικών Αρχών Ενέργειας της Ελλάδας, της Ιταλίας και της Αλβανίας, σύμφωνα με την παράγραφο 4.8.1 της Απόφασης Εξαίρεσης: «Where the present opinion foresees an action by the Authorities, for the purpose of the implementation of such an action, the Authorities shall endeavor all efforts to act jointly.». Επειδή, οι Ρυθμιστικές Αρχές της Ελλάδας, της Ιταλίας, και της Αλβανίας συνεργάστηκαν για την εξέταση του υποβληθέντος αιτήματος για έγκριση των Κατευθυντήριων Γραμμών της Δοκιμής Αγοράς του 2025 και κατά τη διαδικασία αυτή διατυπώθηκαν κοινές θέσεις, οι οποίες αποτυπώνονται στο Παράρτημα της παρούσας. Στο Παράρτημα της παρούσας απόφασης το οποίο αναφέρεται ως «Annex A» αποτυπώνεται η Κοινή Απόφαση των τριών Ρυθμιστικών Αρχών επί του αιτήματος της εταιρείας TAP A.G. για την έγκριση του προταθέντος κειμένου Κατευθυντήριων Γραμμών, το οποίο προσαρτάται στην Κοινή Απόφαση ως «Annex B». Για τους παραπάνω λόγους Αποφασίζει
6. Την έγκριση του κειμένου με τίτλο «Guidelines for the 2025 Market Test of Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG” σύμφωνα με την κοινή Απόφαση των Ρυθμιστικών Αρχών της Ελλάδος, της Ιταλίας και της Αλβανίας με τίτλο «Approval of Market Test Guidelines of Trans Adriatic Pipeline proposed by TAP AG on the 16th of June 2025», η οποία προσαρτάται στην παρούσα Απόφαση ως «Παράρτημα Α» και αποτελεί αναπόσπαστο τμήμα αυτής. Στην εν λόγω κοινή Απόφαση των Ρυθμιστικών Αρχών περιλαμβάνεται ως Παράρτημα Β (Annex B) το κείμενο των Κατευθυντηρίων Γραμμών για τη διεξαγωγή της Δοκιμής Αγοράς 2025 σχετικά με την επαύξηση δυναμικότητας στον αγωγό Trans Adriatic Pipeline. -8- ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ
7. Την κοινοποίηση της παρούσας στην εταιρεία TAP AG και στις Ρυθμιστικές Αρχές της Ιταλίας και της Αλβανίας.
8. Τη δημοσίευση της παρούσας στην ιστοσελίδα της Αρχής και στο Πρόγραμμα «ΔΙΑΥΓΕΙΑ». Κατά της παρούσας απόφασης χωρεί αίτηση αναθεώρησης, η οποία ασκείται μέσα σε τριάντα

(30)ημέρες από τη δημοσίευση ή την κοινοποίηση της απόφασης, σύμφωνα με τη διάταξη της παραγράφου 2 του άρθρου 32 του ν. 4001/2011. Αθήνα, 3 Ιουλίου 2025 O Αντιπρόεδρος Κλάδου Ενέργειας της ΡΑΑΕΥ Δημήτριος Φούρλαρης -9- ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ Παράρτημα Α (Annex A) Autorità di regolazione per energia, reti e ambiente (ARERA, Italy) Enti Rregullator i Energjise (ERE, Albania) Ρυθμιστική Αρχή Αποβλήτων, Ενέργειας και Υδάτων (RAAEY, Greece) Approval of “Market Test Guidelines for Trans Adriatic Pipeline” Proposed by TAP AG on the 16th of June 2025 - 10 - ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ Whereas3: On August 29th 2011 TAP AG submitted to the Italian Ministry of Economic Development and on August 31st 2011 to the Regulatory Authority for Energy of Greece (RAE) an “Exemption Application for Trans Adriatic Pipeline”, as foreseen by Article 36 of the Gas Directive 2009/73/EC. On September 1st 2011 TAP AG submitted to the Energy Regulatory Entity (ERE) of Albania an “Exemption Application for Trans Adriatic Pipeline”, in accordance with Article 22 of the Gas Directive 2003/55/EC. In June 2013 the Italian Ministry, RAE and ERE took the decision on the exemption, adopting the Final Joint Opinion (hereafter: “the FJO”), a document jointly written by ARERA, ERE and RAE (hereafter: “the Authorities”) and amended to comply with the Commission Decision [C

(2013)2949 final] dated 16th of May 2013 and to take note of the Opinion 1/2013 of the Energy Community Secretariat dated 14th of May 2013. In the aforementioned document an exemption from the provisions of Articles 9 (Unbundling), 32 (TPA) for the Initial Capacity of 10bcm/y, and 41.6, 41.8, 41.10 (Regulated Tariffs) of the Gas Directive has been granted to TAP AG for a period of 25 years starting from the beginning of the Commercial Operation Date, under several conditions. Among others, according to Article 4.1.7 of the FJO, TAP AG is obliged to perform Market Tests on a regular basis starting no later than the Commercial Operation Date and, subsequently, at least every two years. TAP AG has to perform the Market Tests under guidelines to be approved by the Authorities, with the view to offer to all Interested Parties additional available capacity up to the Total Capacity of 20bcm/y4. Following Article 4.1.7, TAP AG is obliged to fulfil the binding capacity requests resulting from each market test taking into account the provisions of points 2, 6 and 9 of §4.7 of the FJO. The expansion takes place if it is economically viable, namely if the incremental revenues from capacity resulting from each market test are equal or larger than the efficient incremental costs, quantified according to the TAP methodology as laid down in the TAP Tariff Code. Additional terms to safeguard full compliance to the criteria of Article 36.1 of the Gas Directive were also imposed, among others the obligation to build additional entry and exit points in Greece and Albania upon request of a third party, as a result of any market test, as long as such construction is technically feasible. The burden of proof to demonstrate that the construction of such additional entry and exit point is not technically feasible rests with TAP AG. If so requested by the Authorities, TAP AG is to provide an opinion from an independent third party. All costs related to the construction and operation of such entry and exit points will be borne by the third party who made the request, according to the national legislation in place at the time of the request. Costs related to such entry and exit points will not include the investments required for additional capacity of TAP, resulting from §4.1 of the FJO, which will be remunerated through TAP Tariffs; 3 Hereafter the definitions of the Final Joint Opinion and of EU Regulation 2017/459 apply. Following Article 4.1.9, the possibility to further expand capacity beyond the Total Capacity, (i.e. beyond 20 bcm/year), shall be investigated by TAP AG and if economically and technically feasible, it will be undertaken, with a view to fulfil all requests for long-term capacity (long-term means here a duration of more than 15 years). 4 - 11 - ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ On March 16th 2017, the new EU Regulation 459/2017 “establishing a network code on capacity allocation mechanisms in gas transmission systems and repealing Regulation (EU) No 984/2013” was adopted. The EU Regulation 2017/459 (hereafter: CAM NC) establishes a Network Code setting up capacity allocation mechanisms in gas transmission systems for both existing and incremental capacity. On June 14th 2019, TAP AG submitted to the Authorities the “Guidelines for the 2019 Market Test” seeking to align the related provisions of the Final Joint Opinion with EU Regulation 2017/459, in particular by coordinating the expected timeline/deadlines and by strengthening the cooperation with adjacent TSOs. Following the approval of the Authorities, TAP AG launched, in coordination with adjacent TSOs, the first Market Test for expansion (incremental) capacity on July 5th 2019. During the binding phase, shippers did not submit any binding bids. On June 11st 2021, TAP AG submitted to the Authorities the “Guidelines for the 2021 Market Test of Trans Adriatic Pipeline”. Following the approval of the Authorities, TAP AG launched, in coordination with adjacent TSOs, the second Market Test for expansion (incremental) capacity on July 2021 (hereafter: 2021 Μarket Τest). At the stage of the Project Proposal approval by the Authorities, the three TSOs (SRG, TAP AG and DESFA) considering the recent gas market developments suggested that the 2021 Market Test could be performed in two rounds of binding phases: a first one in January 2023 and a second one, if needed on the basis of the results of the first binding phase, during 2023. The first binding phase was concluded on February 2023 with the allocation of capacity and the signature of GTAs. As a result of the first binding phase, the Level 1 of capacity (as defined in the Project Proposal approved by the Authorities in November 2022) was assigned. The second binding phase was concluded the 31 January 2024 with no further allocation of capacity. The third joint procedure of incremental capacity was initiated in 2023 and the binding phase is expected to be concluded end of 2025. The delay is due to uncertainties related to Article 2 of Apulia Region n. 28/2022 that is likely to have negative impact on the economic viability test of the project, foreseen at Article 22 of the CAM NC. On June 16th 2025, in compliance with Section 4.1.7 of the Final Joint Opinion, TAP AG submitted to the Authorities the “Guidelines for the 2025 Market Test of Trans Adriatic Pipeline” (hereafter: Guidelines 2025). The main points of the proposed Guidelines 2025 are: 1. the process is split into two phases, a non-binding phase (that includes the demand assessment and the design of expansion) and a binding phase (that includes an information period and a binding bidding phase) as described also in CAM NC; 2. the procedure is open to all Interested Parties, namely any legal person who is interested in submitting non-binding capacity demand indications to TAP and to participate in TAP’s Market Test in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner; 3. during the Market Test, all Interested Parties can request expansion of the entry and/or of the exit capacity on the TAP Transportation System, as well the construction of new entry and/or exit points along TAP’s transportation system; - 12 - ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ 4. interested Parties are responsible to ensure that their Binding Bids comply with any applicable Capacity Cap according to the FJO. To this end, applicants shall provide to TAP AG and the Authorities the information relating to the Binding Bid made to TAP, as well as any other information that the Authorities may request (the details of the communications and interaction for the purposes of this evaluation will be inserted in the Binding Phase Notice and in the Project Proposal); 5. Interested Parties who submit the non-binding demand indications to TAP have the responsibility to submit any corresponding non-binding demand indications to relevant adjacent TSOs according to CAM NC rules, or to procure the interconnection capacity according to relevant procedures in non-EU countries; 6. the Demand Assessment Report (DAR) is developed and published5 jointly with Adjacent EU TSOs and it will include the prospective demand for expansion at the interconnection points. The reports will be built on the template developed by ENTSOG; 7. to ensure a meaningful participation to the non-binding phase of the market test, a Participation Fee of 10,000 EUR is payable by each Interested Party wishing to participate in the Market Test. The participation fee is reimbursed to the respective interested parties following a successful economic viability test and execution of at least one Gas Transportation Agreement with any user; 8. TAP may request fees also for the performance of technical studies necessitated by the non-binding Capacity and Connection Requests (e.g. to establish technical feasibility of a connection ahead of a Binding Phase or related to an early start-up date of capacity requiring investment ahead of the completion of a Binding Phase or related to demand in excess of TAP’s Total Capacity, as referenced in section 4.1.9 of the FJO). Modalities of such fees are separately agreed with relevant Authorities, published on TAP’s website and communicated to relevant Interested Parties; 9. the Guidelines 2025 ensure the coordination with the ongoing 2023 Market Test, therefore (

1. i)non binding phase will be started before the closure of the 2023 binding phase and (
2. ii)following the publication of the capacity allocation under the Binding Phase of the 2023 Market Test, all Interested Parties from the NonBinding Phase will be given the opportunity to revise their Non-Binding Demand Indications; Whereas: • the proposed Guidelines 2025, as summarized above, are in line with the principles stated in the Final Joint Opinion, in CAM NC, in all national legislations, and do not introduce undue barriers to the foreseen process for building incremental capacity; 5 Expected timing for publication is end January 2026. The precise timing depends on the publication of any capacity allocation under the Binding Phase of the 2023 Market Test. - 13 - ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ • • • the process is designed in a way that facilitates the cooperation with adjacent TSOs, with the aim of ensuring a coordinated development of the network, avoiding possible mismatch in the building of cross border capacity; the proposed Guidelines 2025 consider the need of ensuring the proper coordination with the still open 2025 Market Test; the Authorities jointly approve the “Guidelines for the 2025 Market Test of Trans Adriatic Pipeline” submitted document proposed by TAP AG and attached as ANNEX B. - 14 - ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ ANNEX B Guidelines for the 2025 Market Test of Trans Adriatic Pipeline AG ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ Table of contents 1. Introduction 3 2. Definitions 6 3. Demand Assessment Phase 7 4. Coordinated Design Phase 9 5. Binding Phase 10 6. Disclaimer 11 7. Supporting documentation 11 ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ 1. Introduction The purpose of these Guidelines for the 2025 Market Test of Trans Adriatic Pipeline (“the Guidelines”) is to define the rules and procedures to be followed in the Market Test process to be conducted by TAP starting in July 2025, and inform all Interested Parties, and any other relevant stakeholders thereof. During TAP’s Market Test, all Interested Parties can request (
3. i)incremental capacity at existing entry and/or exit points along TAP’s transportation system (“Capacity Requests”), (
4. ii)and/or the construction of new entry and/or exit points (“Connection Requests”). These Guidelines reflect TAP’s specific regulatory regime for the performance of its Market Tests. They seek to align the provisions of the Final Joint Opinion of the Energy Regulators on TAP AG’s Exemption Application, dated 6 June 2013, granted by the Authorities pursuant to Directive 2009/73/EC (“FJO”) and of TAP’s Tariff Code 1 with Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/459 establishing a network code on Capacity Allocation Mechanisms in gas transmission systems (“CAM NC”).2 In compliance with Section 4.1.7 FJO, these Guidelines have been approved by the competent National Regulatory Authorities of Italy, Greece and Albania (“Authorities”), namely ARERA, RAAEY3 and ERE and, in case of a Market Test proceeding to the Binding Phase, can be expected to be supplemented by Project Proposal(
5. s)approved by the Authorities. 1.1 The requirement to expand capacity For its Initial Capacity, TAP is exempted from provisions on third party access, regulated tariffs and ownership unbundling subject to the terms of the FJO. The exemption from regulated tariffs and ownership unbundling also applies to TAP’s Expansion Capacity. According to the FJO, TAP must perform a Market Test at least every two years, starting no later than its Commercial Operation Date (“COD”), for the allocation of capacity additional to the Initial Capacity and to any part of the Expansion Capacity allocated as a result of the binding phase(
6. s)of the previous Market Tests. 1.2 The Market Test The Market Test is an open, transparent, and non-discriminatory procedure. The process reflects TAP’s unique and specific regulatory framework. An overview of its phases is set out in Figure 1 below. 1 Approved in November 2013 by the Italian, Greek and Albanian National Regulatory Authorities. Subsequent amendments were approved in July 2018 and November 2025. 2 We do note the General Court (GC) of the European Court of Justice’s ruling in T-684/19 and T 704/19 MEKH v. ACER and FGSZ v. ACER, judgment of 16 March 2022, ECLI:EU:T:2022:138 on Chapter V of CAM NC: The General Court declares inapplicable the provisions of Regulation 2017/459 relating to the process for the creation of incremental capacity for gas transmission https://curia.europa.eu/jcms/upload/docs/application/pdf/202203/cp220046en.pdf 3 Former RAE (before its renaming by virtue of Greek Law 5037/2023, which expanded its scope with responsibilities over Water services and Urban Waste management) ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ Figure 1: Overview of the Market Test phases 1 Demand Assessment Phase A) Interested Parties may submit non-binding demand indications to TAP within 8 weeks after the start of the Annual Yearly Capacity Auction B) TAP and adjacent TSOs coordinate to publish Demand Assessment Reports (“DAR”) (see below) 2 Coordinated Design Phase A) Within 12 weeks after the start of the Coordinated Design Phase, TAP and adjacent TSOs coordinate to publish the draft Project Proposal. B) Following public consultation, TAP will coordinate with adjacent TSOs to submit the Project Proposal for approval by the Authorities. C) The Authorities approve the Project Proposal 3 Information Phase A) TAP will coordinate with adjacent TSOs to publish the approved Project Proposal as well as any other documentation necessary for the Binding Bidding Phase. B) Interested Parties will have two months to consider the published documentation prior to the start of the Binding Bidding Phase 4 Binding Bidding Phase A) Interested Parties may submit Binding Bids B) TAP verifies Economic Viability Tests and coordinates with adjacent TSOs for their economic tests. Capacity is allocated in accordance with the FJO, the TAP Tariff Code and the approved Project Proposal, respecting any Linked Requests. The main deadlines applicable to the Non-Binding Phase of TAP’s 2025 Market Test4 are the following: TAP launches the Non-Binding Phase Interested Parties submit the Registration and Non-Binding Demand Indication Form TAP and Adjacent TSOs publish Demand Assessment Report(
7. s)7 July 2025 7 July – 1 September 20255 Expected timing end January 2026. The precise timing depends on the publication of any capacity allocation under the Binding Phase of the 2023 Market Test.6 Following such publication, all Interested Parties from the Non-Binding Phase will be given the opportunity to revise their Non-Binding Demand Indications. Interested Parties will be informed of the precise deadline for such revision with at least two weeks’ notice.7 Start of Coordinated Design Phase TBD (immediately after publication of a Demand Assessment Report (DAR) including a decision to proceed) TAP and Adjacent TSOs publish draft Project TBD (at the latest 12 weeks after start of the Coordinated Proposal for public consultation Design Phase) 4 The process related to the 2025 Market Test, specified by these Guidelines, is distinct from the Binding Phase of the 2023 Market Test. 5 TAP reserves the right to accept non-binding demand indications sent after the 8 weeks deadline. In addition, given the Binding Phase of the 2023 Market Test, all interested parties from the non-binding phase will be given the opportunity to revise their non-binding demand indications. 6 Such publication would also include a situation where TAP informs the market that no binding bids or no registrations for the Binding Bidding Phase have been received. 7 Note that for Interconnection Points which are not offered for booking in the Binding Phase of the 2023 Market Test, the Demand Assessment Report(
8. s)may also be issued separately at an earlier stage, and without a window to revise Non-Binding Demand Indications for such Interconnection Point. ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ Update on timeline and process of 2025 Market Test The Project Proposal for the Binding Phase of the 2023 Market Test, expected to be submitted for approval to the Italian, Greek and Albanian Authorities in July 2025, contains a timeline in section D1 “Timeline of the Binding Phase”8, envisaging a Binding Bidding Phase in late 2025. The indicative timeline of the 2025 Market Test included in these Guidelines intends to mitigate any potential negative consequences of the overlapping market tests by finalizing the DAR only after capacity allocation under the Binding Phase of the 2023 Market Test has taken place. Once the results of capacity allocation from the Binding Phase of the 2023 Market Test have been published, TAP will give the opportunity to all Interested Parties from the Non-Binding phase to revise their Non-Binding Demand Indications within at least 2 (two) weeks of the publication. In any case, TAP reserves its rights to accept Non-Binding Demand Indications sent after the 8 weeks deadline, as per the above. In this way, TAP envisages to ensure that the Coordinated Design Phase is specifically tailored for remaining Non-Binding Demand Indications for incremental capacity, after capacity has been allocated in the Binding Phase of the 2023 Market Test. When published, the DAR will contain a decision on whether to start a Coordinated Design Phase for the 2025 Market Test or not. In view of this flexible timeline for the 2025 Market Test, TAP will keep the market and relevant stakeholders informed on the opening of the Binding Phase of the 2023 Market Test by publishing information on its website and by publishing the Project Proposal when submitted to the Authorities for approval. As an outcome of the Market Test, binding requests for Forward Firm Long-Term capacity may, subject to the conditions under the FJO, the TAP Tariff Code and relevant law applicable to TAP, lead to an investment obligation for TAP in line with Section 4.1.8 FJO. If a situation provided for by Section 4.1.9 of the FJO arises, TAP will enter into discussions with the Authorities on the economic and technical feasibility of such future expansion possibilities beyond the Total Capacity and on the related processes and procedures for implementation. In addition to accommodating incremental capacity at TAP’s existing interconnection points, the Guidelines define the general framework for accommodating Connection Requests for building additional entry and/or exit points in Greece, in accordance with Section 4.7.5 FJO, and requests for increasing the technical capacity of existing and/or building additional entry and/or exit points in Albania, in accordance with Section 4.7.8 FJO. For such Connection Requests to be considered, all costs need to be borne by the party having made the request. These Guidelines contain the high-level principles that govern a Connection Request sent to TAP. More detailed procedures may be developed at a later stage, for separate approval and publication. 8 https://www.tap-ag.com/shippers/market-tests-7 ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ 2. Definitions This chapter contains the definitions and terminology used in these Guidelines. Any capitalised terms used but not defined herein will have the meanings given to them in the Final Joint Opinion or in the TAP Tariff Code. Adjacent TSO means a TSO that shares an interconnection point with TAP and implements the EU energy legislation, including DESFA, ICGB, Albgaz and Snam Rete Gas. Applicant means the interested party that registers to a Binding Phase under this Market Test. Authorities means the National Energy Regulatory Authorities of Italy (‘ARERA’), Greece (‘RAAEY’) and Albania (‘ERE’). Binding Bid means a bid submitted by an Applicant during the Binding Bidding Phase. Binding Phase means the general phase of the Market Test which is composed of the Information and Binding Bidding Phases. Binding Bidding Phase means the final phase of the Market Test whereby Interested Parties can submit Binding Bids to TAP and during which TAP will perform the Economic Viability Test and will proceed to capacity allocation. Capacity Caps means the pro-competitive measures for the Italian, Greek and Albanian market as set out in points 3, 6 and 9 of section 4.7 of the FJO. Capacity Request means a binding and/or non-binding request to TAP from an Interested Party to acquire firm long-term capacity at TAP’s entry and/or exit points. Connection Request means a non-binding request to TAP from an Interested Party to build a new entry and/or exit point in Albania or Greece and/or to increase the technical capacity of an already existing entry and/or exit point in Albania, in accordance with Sections 4.7.5 and 4.7.8 of the FJO. Coordinated Design Phase means the second part of the Non-Binding Phase of this Market Test. Demand Assessment Phase means the first part of the Non-Binding Phase of this Market Test. Demand Assessment Report (DAR) means the document prepared by TAP and Adjacent TSOs evaluating the prospective demand for expansion. Expansion Capacity means capacity in the TAP transportation system made available in addition to Initial Capacity, as referenced in the FJO. Forward Firm Long-Term capacity means Capacity Products for transportation capacity in the TAP transportation system booked by reference to a separate Entry Point and Exit Point for the forward transportation of natural gas that is made available to Shippers for a period of more than one year and which TAP is not permitted to interrupt except for planned maintenance, capacity restrictions or a force majeure. Guidelines means this document, approved by the Authorities, that sets out how TAP will perform the Market Test launched in 2025, with a view to offer all Interested Parties Expansion Capacity as per section 4.1.7 of the FJO and to accommodate Connection Requests. Incremental Capacity Project means a project to expand TAP’s capacity in TAP’s existing entry and/or exit points or to establish new entry and/or exit points on TAP transportation system, in accordance with the FJO and TAP’s Tariff Code. Initial Capacity means the capacity of 10 BCM/y constructed and made available in the first phase of the TAP transportation system, as referenced in the FJO. Interested Party means any legal person who is interested in participating in the non-binding phase of TAP’s Market Test. Linked Request means a request where an Interested Party has indicated that its non-binding demand ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ request at a TAP Entry Point is contingent on allocation of an equal amount of capacity and duration at a second IP (Exit Point). Market Test means the process through which TAP assesses market demand for Expansion Capacity and Connection Requests, that includes a Non-Binding Phase, in which Interested Parties express and quantify their requests and a Binding Phase in which binding commitments may be entered. Non-Binding Demand Indication means the Capacity Request and/or Connection Request indicated by the Interested Party through the filling out of the “Registration and Non-Binding Demand Indication Form”. Non-Binding Phase means the general phase of the Market Test which is composed of the Demand Assessment and Coordinated Design Phases. Participation Fee means the amount to be paid by the Interested Parties for participating in TAP’s Market Test – Non-Binding Phase. Project Proposal means the document prepared by TAP and Adjacent TSOs if the demand assessment report identifies demand for incremental capacity projects. Total Capacity means the sum of the Initial Capacity and Expansion Capacity, as referenced in the FJO. 3. Demand Assessment Phase TAP invites all Interested Parties, regardless if they are already Registered Parties with TAP or not, to participate in TAP’s Market Tests. TAP will treat all Interested Parties in a transparent and nondiscriminatory manner. To participate in the Demand Assessment Phase, any Interested Party must comply with the provisions of these Guidelines and successfully submit the Registration and Non-Binding Demand Indication Form, as published on TAP’s website and related documentation. The list of documentation required will be published on TAP’s website together with an announcement (Non-Binding Phase Notice) informing Interested Parties on the opening of the Market Test through initiation of the Demand Assessment Phase. The submission by an Interested Party of the Registration and Non-Binding Demand Indication Form and related documentation does not give rise to any obligation on an Interested Party to submit a binding offer, nor shall it bind TAP to invest and realise any Incremental Capacity Project. A Participation Fee of 10,000 EUR) is payable by each Interested Party wishing to participate in the Market Test. The Participation Fee is intended to cover the administrative costs for TAP of performing the Demand Assessment Phase of the Market Test and must be paid together with the submission of the Registration and Non-Binding Demand Indication Form, at the latest within 8 weeks from the opening of the Market Test. Nonetheless, TAP reserves its right to accept Non-Binding Demand Indication forms -together with the payment of the Participation Fee- sent after the expiration of this deadline. The Participation Fee shall be reimbursed to each Interested Party if the Market Test results in the installation of at least one additional compressor unit in TAP, following a successful Economic Viability Test and execution of at least one Gas Transportation Agreement (GTA) for Forward Firm Long-Term capacity with any user, even in the case that the user concluding the GTA is different form the Interested Party who made the request. TAP’s incurred administrative costs for the Market Test may then be taken into account for the recalculation of TAP’s tariffs in accordance with Clause 3.3.3 (
9. d)of the TAP Tariff Code. Failure to pay the Participation Fee by the Interested Party may result in TAP disregarding any non-binding Capacity Requests or Connection Requests made by that Interested Party. ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ The Market Test documentation which is deemed non-confidential by TAP will be published on TAP’s website and made available to the public. In the Demand Assessment Phase, Interested Parties can submit non-binding Capacity Requests for Firm Long-Term Capacity and/or Connection Requests. To make a submission during the Non-Binding Phase, an Interested Party must complete the Registration and Non-Binding Demand Indication Form (as published on TAP’s website) that must contain at a minimum the following information: i. the type of request(s): a. non-binding Capacity Request(
10. s)at TAP’s already defined entry and/or exit points. b. Connection Request for building an additional entry and/or exit point in Greece. c. Connection Request for increasing the technical capacity of an existing and/or building an additional entry and exit point in Albania.9 Please note that only Capacity Requests for Forward Firm Long-Term capacity shall be considered in the design of the Incremental Capacity Project of TAP. According to TAP’s regulatory framework, Commercial Reverse Capacity cannot lead to any investment underpinning the realization of incremental capacity. (TAP offers Commercial Reverse Capacity according to the TAP Network Code on the PRISMA capacity booking platform.) ii. the start and end dates for which a demand for incremental capacity is expressed. iii. the amount of capacity requested. iv. information on non-binding demand indications which were or will be submitted to other TSOs, in case such indications are linked to each other. v. indication whether the Non-Binding Demand Indication is subject to any condition in relation to points i-iv above including being a Linked Request. Interested Parties must submit Non-Binding Demand Indications no later than 8 weeks after the Annual Yearly Capacity Auction. TAP reserves its right to accept Non-Binding Demand Indications beyond the end of the Demand Assessment Phase and will give the opportunity to all interested parties from the nonbinding phase to revise their non-binding bids, for at least 2 (two) weeks after the publication of the results of capacity allocation for the 2023 Market Test, as indicated above in Section 1.2 “Market Test”. For the parties interested in submitting a Connection Request to TAP, TAP accepts the Non-Binding Demand Indication form throughout a Market Test, as specified in more detail in section 5 Binding Phase below. It is the responsibility of the Interested Party who submits the Non-binding Demand Indications to TAP to submit any corresponding non-binding demand indications to relevant Adjacent TSOs. In case of TAP’s entry point at Kipoi, it is the responsibility of the Interested Party to initiate any procedures that may be necessary for capacity to be made available at the non-EU side of the interconnection point. If an Interested Party submits a Registration and Non-Binding Demand Indication Form (as published on TAP’s website), TAP will respond in writing to that Interested Party. When applicable and on a case-by- 9 An overview of the location of TAP’s block valve stations, entry and/or exit points as well as current and planned compressor stations, is provided in the supporting document ‘TAP Overall Map for the 2025 Market Test’. ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ case basis, each written response may be based on TAP’s coordination with the Adjacent TSO who operates the corresponding entry-exit system border to the TAP transportation system. In case of Connection Requests, the response will include a requirement for commitments from the Interested Party to cover any costs incurred by TAP, including in investigating, such points. 10 TAP may require that such commitments are formalised between the Interested Party and TAP at a time indicated by TAP in its response, which may be before inclusion of such points in a Project Proposal. At the end of the Demand Assessment Phase, TAP, in association with Adjacent TSOs, will publish a joint demand assessment report (“DAR”). The DAR will evaluate the prospective demand for expansion of the TAP pipeline and the prospective demand for expansion at its interconnection points with the transmission systems of Adjacent TSOs. The report will build on the template developed by ENTSOG. In addition, the report will also include the non-binding requests received by TAP for new or expanded entry and/or exit points. In collaboration with Adjacent TSOs, TAP should publish the DAR(
11. s)in English on its website. The timeline for this publication is set out above at Section 1.2 “Market Test”. If the DAR identifies demand for incremental capacity projects, the Market Test proceeds to the Coordinated Design Phase. If the DAR does not identify demand for incremental capacity projects, the Market Test ends, without prejudice to any prerogatives the Authorities may have to challenge this conclusion. 4. Coordinated Design Phase In the Coordinated Design Phase, TAP will work in association with Adjacent TSOs at the respective interconnection points to design the Incremental Capacity Project, to the extent that cooperation does not conflict with the FJO, the TAP Tariff Code, the TAP Network Code and any other regulatory instrument that implements the FJO. In all circumstances, TAP retains the options and discretion afforded in the FJO. The Coordinated Design Phase commences the day after the publication of a DAR that concludes to initiate an Incremental Capacity Project. TAP and the Adjacent TSOs will conduct technical studies to design the Incremental Capacity Project and comprise the result in a Project Proposal. TAP may request fees for the performance of technical studies necessitated by the non-binding Capacity and Connection Requests (e.g. to establish technical feasibility of a connection ahead of a Binding Phase or related to an early start-up date of capacity requiring investment ahead of the completion of a Binding Phase or related to demand in excess of TAP’s Total Capacity, as referenced in section 4.1.9 of the FJO). Modalities of such fees would be separately agreed with relevant Authorities, published on TAP’s website and communicated to relevant Interested Parties. No later than 12 weeks after the beginning of the Coordinated Design Phase, TAP will endeavour, in coordination with Adjacent TSOs, to publish and publicly consult on the design of the proposed Incremental Capacity Project comprised in the draft Project Proposal. The public consultation will last for a minimum of one month and no longer than two months. Any Project Proposal must be consistent with the FJO. This will include the rules that will govern the Binding Phase, including any alternative allocation mechanism in the sense of Article 30 of CAM NC. 10 Note that the FJO only obliges TAP to facilitate entry and/or exit points and not any other downstream infrastructure or spur lines, etc. ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ Such alternative allocation mechanism can be foreseen to be necessary in order to allow compliance with the rules laid down in Clause 3 of the TAP Tariff Code. It will also include an auction mechanism as mentioned by Clause 3.3.1 (
12. e)of the TAP Tariff Code. Following the consultation, TAP and the Adjacent TSOs will endeavour to finalise the design of the proposed Incremental Capacity Project and submit the Project Proposal for the approval of the relevant Authorities. Within 6 months of the receipt of the complete Project Proposal by the last of the relevant Authorities, they should publish coordinated decisions on the Project Proposal. Connection Requests may be treated individually according to a separate timeline, as such requests are not subject to an economic viability test, but to a technical feasibility test, as per the requirements from TAP’s FJO. According to Sections 4.7.5 and 4.7.8 FJO, costs for the construction and operation of such connections will be borne by the requesting third party, according to the national legislation in place at the time of the request. If the Authorities approve the Project Proposal, the Market Test will proceed to the Binding Phase11. If the Authorities do not approve the Project Proposal, the Market Test ends. In what concerns the timeline of the Binding Phase, the Binding Bidding Phase may normally be launched between 12 and 24 months from the start of the Non-Binding Phase. Nevertheless, in exceptional situations, in order to cater to the needs of the market or for other market related and/or, but not limited to, regulatory reasons, the timing of the Binding Phase may deviate from this timeframe. 5. Binding Phase Overall, the Binding Phase provides Applicants with the opportunity to submit Binding Bids to TAP for incremental capacity at TAP’s entry and/or exit points. The Binding Phase consists of the Information Phase and the Binding Bidding Phase. The Information Phase starts 2 (two) months ahead of the opening of the Binding Bidding Phase. In the Binding Bidding Phase, Applicants may submit Binding Bids for incremental capacity on TAP. In the case of binding Capacity Requests, TAP and Adjacent TSOs would conduct relevant Economic Viability Tests (EVT) separately at their side of the relevant IP. For TAP, the EVT considers the net present value of the cost estimates and hypothetical incremental revenues, applying TAP’s Target IRR as the discount factor (see TAP Tariff Code for more details, as published on TAP’s website). For the avoidance of doubt, the EVT concerns the TAP sides of all IPs where incremental capacity is offered. Costs included in the EVT calculation are all costs to be borne by TAP for the expansion of the pipeline to meet each Offer Level (including relevant costs incurred by TAP in a previous unsuccessful Market Test and not otherwise recovered). Thus, revenues for the calculation of the NPV relate to incremental revenues to be collected by TAP from the application of the TAP Tariff to all incremental capacity allocated at TAP’s side of all IPs. In the case of a positive EVT, after taking into account any admissible conditionality that may have been stated in Binding Bids, TAP may allocate capacity to successful bidders and proceed to initiate required works to make the requested capacity available12. 11 This approval step is without prejudice to the options and discretion afforded to TAP by the FJO, the TAP Tariff Code the TAP Network Code and any other regulatory instrument that implements the FJO. 12 This is without prejudice to any technical studies TAP may deem necessary to perform earlier in accordance with section 4 above. ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ During the Binding Phase, for the Applicants to be able to send binding bids for long-term incremental capacity at new entry/exit points on TAP, a Connection Request must have been sent to TAP during the Market Test in time for inclusion in the Project Proposal submitted to the NRAs for approval.13 If the Connection Request was received after this deadline, and it was not included in the Project Proposal, the request may be carried over into the next Market Test or offered for capacity booking on PRISMA, for short-term capacity.14 5.1 Capacity Caps assessment During a Market Test, in the Binding Phase, it is the responsibility of the Applicant to ensure that their Binding Bids comply with any applicable Capacity Cap. Please note that under Article 4.7 of the Final Joint Opinion certain limitations may apply to undertakings if they are deemed to hold a dominant position following an assessment with the relevant Authorities in the Italian, Greek and/or Albanian gas markets. For the Authorities to be able to evaluate the compliance of the Binding Bids with the Capacity Caps, Applicants shall provide to TAP and the Authorities the information relating to the Binding Bid made to TAP, as well as any other information that the Authorities may request. Further details on the process of Capacity Caps assessments will be addressed in documentation for the Binding Phase and Project Proposal. 6. Disclaimer No rights, other than those explicitly stated, may be derived from the contents of these Guidelines, or the supporting documentation. TAP has taken all reasonable endeavours to ensure that the information in these Guidelines, and supporting documentation is correct at the time of publication. TAP assumes no liability in contract or in tort or breach of statutory duty or otherwise for or in respect of any loss or damage howsoever arising in respect of or in connection with the contents of this publication, its appendices and supporting documentation. 7. Supporting documentation At the opening of the Non-Binding Phase, TAP website will include all relevant information and documentation for participating in the Market Test, including but not limited to the following: 13 14 - Non-Binding Phase Notice - Registration and Non-Binding Demand Indication form - TAP Overall Map for the 2025 Market Test The exact deadline will depend on the timeline of that particular Binding Phase and will be discussed bilaterally with each party submitting a Connection Request to TAP. Further details on connections to TAP pipeline will be provided in a separate document covering the framework for connections to TAP and in TAP’s Network Code. ΑΔΑ: ΡΦΣΩΙΔΞ-ΞΞΗ - TAP Capacity Overview for the 2025 Market Test - Gas Transportation Agreement15, consisting of: o Transportation Confirmation. o General Terms and Conditions. o TAP Network Code. - TAP Tariff Code - Final Joint Opinion - Regulatory Compliance Programme All documents available on TAP’s website will be in English. TAP reserves the right to update the supporting documents above at all times. 15 The documents constituting the Gas Transportation Agreement are made available for convenience and information only and may be different by the time of the Binding Phase of the 2025 Market Test.