U.S. sees Caspian fields as potential gas suppliers for Nabucco: deputy secretary of energy

"During meetings with representatives of state and oil companies, by using the map we had a good opportunity  to 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, the delegation, which he leads, 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.

He said  from the U.S. believes 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.

/Trend Capital/