The South Stream project, which Greece carries out jointly with Russia, remains a priority for the country, the Greek energy minister said.
Greek Environment, Energy and Climate Change Minister Konstantina Birbili said at a meeting with South Stream CEO Marcel Kramer that “the Greek government considers South Stream one of its priority energy projects, which enhance energy security by diversifying delivery routes.”
Birbili added that her country, which is to receive natural gas for domestic needs via the pipeline and transit it further to Italy, would continue efforts to promote the project within the European Union.
The Greek minister also said all research needed for construction is going smoothly.
The $21.5 billion pipeline, which will transport up to 63 billion cubic meters of gas to Europe, is being developed by Italy’s Eni and Russian gas giant Gazprom. French EdF and Germany’s Wintershall will also participate in the project, with 10 and 15 percent of shares, respectively. Russia plans to launch the pipeline in 2015.
ATHENS, June 1 (RIA Novosti)