CASPIAN GAS PIPELINE PROJECT NOT TO IMPEDE TRANS -

CASPIAN GAS PIPELINE- Hartmut Schneider, Deputy Director General Energy Policy,  Ministry of Economics and Technology of Germany

 

"We can see that in the context of the EU Germany is supplied with gas from Russia but we always stood by diversified supplies and diversified transportation routes. We are concerned about NABUCCO Project. During our presidency in the EU, the Union identified NABUCCO project as a priority issue within the Trans-European energy network. Thus, the project is supported politically but finally one can ask about when the pipeline will be filled with gas and become economically viable", said Hartmut Schneider, Deputy Director General Energy Policy, Ministry of Economics and Technology of Germany, in his interview with Caspian Energy.

 

 

Caspian Energy (CE): Mr. Schneider, how would you estimate the perspectives for German companies operating in the Caspian?

Hartmut Schneider, Deputy Director General Energy Policy,  Ministry of Economics and Technology of Germany: Germany has a few oil-producing companies. And our companies are not as big as, for example, ExxonMobil or BP. On the other hand, we believe that technologically our companies are quite fine and they should be given a chance.

At the moment this happens in Azerbaijan where Wintershall is joining the oil&gas projects or is waiting to join them. The same applies to other littoral states. In particular, KazMunayGaz NC JSC is interested about cooperation with German companies.

The Caspian region today is in the center of international attention. The meeting between President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan and Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel evidence Germany's high interest in Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan's economy is growing up and the country is extending its cooperation with Germany and the EU. The world's interest in the Caspian region is mainly related to its huge oil&gas deposits. Germany wants to become Azerbaijan's partner in energy issues.

Azerbaijan is efficiently using its increasing oil revenues. Since Germany attaches high priority to energy and transportation security, we would like to develop our ties with Azerbaijan.

CE: What offshore fields are being discussed?

Hartmut Schneider: I cannot tell you. I just provide political support to German companies wishing to join projects within the Caspian.

 

CE: What is your opinion on Azerbaijani gas delivery under NABUCCO Project?

Hartmut Schneider: We see that in the context of the EU Germany is supplied with Russian gas but we always stood by diversified supplies and diversified transportation routes.

Thus, we are concerned about NABUCCO Project. During our presidency in the EU; the Union identified NABUCCO project as a priority issue within the Trans-European energy network. Thus, the project is supported politically but finally one can ask about when the pipeline will be filled with gas and become economically viable. In these conditions the alternative southern route  is also strongly supported.

 

CE: How can Turkey participate in Caspian gas transit?

Hartmut Schneider: Undoubtedly, Turkey will play a big part. It is well known that Turkey will play a big part in transit issues and we would like to have Turkey involved in alternative route consideration.

 

CE: Is the EU supporting the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline project (TCGP)?

Hartmut Schneider: It is not much left to complete this project and I totally agree with American politicians saying that this pipeline is crucial. I also hope the future agreement between Russia, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan will not impede the Trans-Caspian Project. This is a competition and question of amounts and directions of gas supply. And I share the opinion that the Caspian pipeline installation will not impede the Trans-Caspian pipeline project.

 

CE: How successful is the cooperation of the EU with Germany and Turkmenistan?

Hartmut Schneider: It would be better to ask Wintershall about the oil&gas cooperation prospects in Turkmenistan. Certainly we all hope for this company entering Turkmenistan's oil&gas sector in view of political changes in this country.

I do not have many details on negotiations with Turkmenistan. Germany's authorities are working on this issue, our Foreign Minister Mr. Steinmeier has already visited littoral countries and established contacts. I can not say much about how successful the cooperation is in energy sector.

 

CE: Why are German companies so low profile in Azerbaijan's market?

Hartmut Schneider: The problem is that our oil producing companies are relatively small. Therefore, they cannot successfully compete with such giants as Statoil, for example.

Small companies like Wintershall must set their priorities of work in the Caspian region. They cannot be all over the area so they should be more active in Azerbaijan. Therefore, the opportunities depend on SOCAR's management. This time they shall be more specific.

Thank you for the interview.