Azerbaijan, Baku, October 5 / Trend , E. Ostapenko /
U.S. sees Azerbaijani Shah Deniz field, as well as other sources in the Caspian Sea, including those belonging to Turkmenistan as potential suppliers of gas to fill Nabucco pipeline, said US Deputy Secretary of Energy Daniel B. Poneman.
"During meetings with representatives of state and oil companies, we had a good opportunity to, by using the map, view a number of possible sources of gas, which will flow via the Southern Corridor," said Poneman who is on visit to Baku.
According to Deputy Secretary of Energy, today the delegation, which he chairs, held in Baku extensive discussions over the Southern Corridor project with the Azerbaijani officials.
"We expect that negotiations will continue and lead to a final decision," said Poneman.
According to Deputy Secretary of Energy, from the U.S. point of view it is important that with the help of companies working in this field, the transparent markets and their function should be a fundamental point in deciding which route should be used.
The Nabucco project worth 7.9 billion euro will deliver Azerbaijani and Central Asian gas to the EU. Nabucco shareholders are the Austrian OMV, Hungarian MOL, Bulgarian Bulgargaz, Romanian Transgaz, Turkish Botas and German RWE with 16.67 percent each. Construction of the pipeline is expected to begin in 2011 and the first supplies - in 2014. Its maximum capacity will be 31 billion cubic meters per year. An investment solution on the project will be made in the first quarter of 2010. The Nabucco Gas Pipeline International will invest 30 percent of the project on basis of its share. The remaining 70 percent will be provided by international institutions.
Do you have any feedback? Contact our journalist at agency@trend.az
