Kazakhstan, Astana / corr Trend K.Konirova / Baktikoja Izmuhambetov, the Kazkah Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources, stated that a resoution on the constuction of the Caspian gas pipeline does not concern the plans for the realization of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline.
"The EU always speaks about the necessity of construction of the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline and they intend to conduct a ground feasibility study for the project. But we exclude these plans from the project," he added.
Taking into consideration the Caspian status has not yet been solved, it is not the time for the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline.
"When necessity arises, then we will conduct talks on the Trans-Caspian pipeline. With respect to a decision on the construction of the Caspian pipeline, it envisages gas transportation from the Turkmen shelf," the Minister added.
The Minister further noted that the talks for the project which involes Russia and Kazakhstan are currently underway. KazMunayGas is in talks and we have proper understanding with all participating sides. We will transport gas," Izmuhambetov emphasized.
At the same time the Minister noted that the Caspian gas pipeline is not closed, because Central Asia - Center is likely to increase its discharge capacity up to 100bln cu m.
"We should think of how and where to deliver the rest of the volume. Therefore, Kazakhstan doe not writes off the construction of the gas pipeline from Turkmenistan to China. We also discussed this version with China and Turkmenistan," he added.
The Minister also reminded that China selected the route on gas delivery from Turkmenistan via Uzbekistan and via the south of Kazakhstan.
"It is acceptable for Kazakhstan, because in this case we are considering a variant of partial use of the Turkmen gas to supply gas to south Kazakhstan. We have initially discussed this issue with the CNPC and have even accorded the volume of transportation to be up to 6bln cu m of gas," Izmuhambetov said.
The Energy Minister explained why this version of the gas pipeline construction from Turkmenistan through Uzbekistan to China is of the country's interest.
"Earlier, it was planned to build a gas-pipeline in Kazakhstan from 'the huge gas region to the south, which is deficit in blue fuel. At the end of September a feasibility study of the project will be developed and it will determine to what extent it is expedient to extend the gas pipeline via the territory of the country from the west to the south with the length of 1,600km," the Minister noted.