Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 17 /Trend A.Badalova/
The Greek government consistently and firmly supports the plan for the completion of the ITGI (Turkey-Greece-Italy pipeline) project, the joint statement from the Greek Foreign Affairs and Energy Ministries on plans for the transporting of gas from the Caspian basin to Europe says.
"We believe that this project contributes decisively to meeting Europe's need for diversification of energy sources and routes, while it is certainly one of the most advanced plans in terms of studies carried out and permits acquired. At the same time, it ensures greater investments in Greece," the statement reads.
ITGI is one of the proposed projects within the Southern gas Corridor, which involves gas supplies from the Caspian region and the Middle East to the EU countries. It includes updated Turkish pipeline infrastructure and the Turkey-Greece junction pipeline and IGI. Its planned capacity is 11.8 billion cubic meters per year.
ITGI along the other pipeline projects within the Southern Gas Corridor have submitted final proposals to the Azerbaijani side, which will make its decision on preferable transportation route by the end of 2011. Gas, which will be produced within the second phase of Azerbaijani Shah-Deniz gas field development is regarded as the main source for all projects.
According to the statement, the "Poseidon" pipeline (undersea portion of the ITGI linking Greece and Italy) fully comply with the European Commission's priority to improve the energy networks as well as to cover the existing energy infrastructure needs.
"Moreover, this pipeline's potential for flow in the opposite direction as well ensures security of natural gas supplies to Southeast Europe, should circumstances call for such use," the statement says.