Azerbaijan, Baku, October 26 / Trend E. Ismayilov /
Greece is interested in import of Azerbaijani gas within the second stage of development of offshore gas-condensate field Shah Deniz, Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Spyros Kouvelis said at a meeting with Azerbaijani Minister of Industry and Energy Natik Aliyev.
Kuvelis said that the Greek government hopes that large volumes of Azerbaijani gas will be supplied to Greece soon, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Energy said.
Azerbaijan has potential to sell 1 billion cubic meters of gas to Greece within the second stage of development of offshore gas-condensate field Shah Deniz, developed by SOCAR (State Oil Company of Azerbaijan), together with foreign companies, Natik Aliyev said.
He said that first, it s necessary to clarify the issue on transit.
Aliyev said that earlier Azerbaijan imported 4.5 billion cubic meters of gas annually. After development of large deposits Azerbaijan does not import, but exports its gas to neighboring countries. At present, Azerbaijan exports gas to Georgia and Turkey. Gas will be exported to other countries.
Azerbaijani Minister of Industry and Energy informed Kouvelis about possibilities of the country in alternative and renewable sources of energy. Despite Azerbaijan has large reserves of traditional energy sources, it considers alternative sources of energy as a priority.
The State Agency for Alternate and Renewable Energy Sources was established upon Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev's decree.
Several pilot projects will be implemented in 2010 in upon Azerbaijani President's instructions.