Poland and Sweden seek to join NABUCCO
There appears to be increased interest by European
countries in the NABUCCO pipeline project. Two more European states
have announced their interest in participating in the project,
which is being designed to bypass Russian territory as a means of
reducing Europe`s reliance on Russian gas.
The countries, Poland and Sweden, have joined others in opposing the Moscow-backed North Stream project. Officials from both countries indicated that the rival project, which seeks to build a gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea, poses considerable environmental risks. Warsaw and Stockholm, therefore, affirmed their interest in NABUCCO, and Polish and Swedish officials are currently studying details involved in implementing the Western-backed project.
The change in attitude has drawn further indignation from Russia, and Moscow is now trying to utilize all means to block the creation of the NABUCCO project. Most Russian pundits believe that the Kremlin should do everything in its power to prevent the pipeline from being built, even if this requires igniting military conflicts in the region.
Also, Armenia is deeply concerned over the NABUCCO proposal. The country, which has been left out of all large-scale regional projects, warns that its long-standing foe, Azerbaijan, could bolster its influence in the region if the pipeline is built. Moreover, Iran`s sudden interest in the NABUCCO project has significantly disturbed officials in Yerevan. However, it will take time for Iran to be able to transport its gas via NABUCCO to Europe. First, economic sanctions applied against Tehran remain in force. More importantly, Iran currently uses all of the gas it produces to meet its domestic demand and it would have to beef up output to join the NABUCCO project.
Azerbaijan, whose gas is considered a key source for the pipeline, has repeatedly stated that it views the project strictly in terms of economic benefits. Generally, Baku approves of all projects aiming to ensure global energy security, while the creation of the NABUCCO project depends on the extent of Europe`s decisiveness and the availability of financial backing.
A consortium of European energy companies including Turkey`s Botas AS, Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD, MOL PLC of Hungary, Austria`s OMV Gas & Power GmbH, RWE AG of Germany and Transgaz SA of Romania has been planning for Nabucco`s construction since 2002.
The project, valued at 8 billion euros, envisions supplies of Azerbaijani and Turkmen gas to European markets through a pipeline traveling via Azerbaijan and Turkey to Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Austria.
Strongly backed by the U.S., the pipeline to carry 31 billion cubic meters of gas per year. On paper, it should be operational by 2014.
The countries, Poland and Sweden, have joined others in opposing the Moscow-backed North Stream project. Officials from both countries indicated that the rival project, which seeks to build a gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea, poses considerable environmental risks. Warsaw and Stockholm, therefore, affirmed their interest in NABUCCO, and Polish and Swedish officials are currently studying details involved in implementing the Western-backed project.
The change in attitude has drawn further indignation from Russia, and Moscow is now trying to utilize all means to block the creation of the NABUCCO project. Most Russian pundits believe that the Kremlin should do everything in its power to prevent the pipeline from being built, even if this requires igniting military conflicts in the region.
Also, Armenia is deeply concerned over the NABUCCO proposal. The country, which has been left out of all large-scale regional projects, warns that its long-standing foe, Azerbaijan, could bolster its influence in the region if the pipeline is built. Moreover, Iran`s sudden interest in the NABUCCO project has significantly disturbed officials in Yerevan. However, it will take time for Iran to be able to transport its gas via NABUCCO to Europe. First, economic sanctions applied against Tehran remain in force. More importantly, Iran currently uses all of the gas it produces to meet its domestic demand and it would have to beef up output to join the NABUCCO project.
Azerbaijan, whose gas is considered a key source for the pipeline, has repeatedly stated that it views the project strictly in terms of economic benefits. Generally, Baku approves of all projects aiming to ensure global energy security, while the creation of the NABUCCO project depends on the extent of Europe`s decisiveness and the availability of financial backing.
A consortium of European energy companies including Turkey`s Botas AS, Bulgarian Energy Holding EAD, MOL PLC of Hungary, Austria`s OMV Gas & Power GmbH, RWE AG of Germany and Transgaz SA of Romania has been planning for Nabucco`s construction since 2002.
The project, valued at 8 billion euros, envisions supplies of Azerbaijani and Turkmen gas to European markets through a pipeline traveling via Azerbaijan and Turkey to Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and Austria.
Strongly backed by the U.S., the pipeline to carry 31 billion cubic meters of gas per year. On paper, it should be operational by 2014.
Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention.
Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis.
By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more.
Subscribe
You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper
Thank you!