Europe sees need for more gas pipelines

European Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger said last week\'s decision on a pipeline for Azeri natural gas is just the beginning for Europe, UPI reported. A BP-led consortium managing the Shah Deniz natural gas field off Azerbaijan selected the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline over the Nabucco West pipeline as its conduit for deliveries for European consumers. TAP is part of a package of gas transit projects meant to break Russia\'s grip on the European energy sector. Oettinger said both projects may be needed in the future to quench a European need for more natural gas. \"What we see today is just the beginning. A decision to have TAP built first and to bring more gas later means that the route to Austria -- currently Nabucco West -- is still on the table,\" he was quoted as saying Monday by the region\'s Trend news agency. \"The question is not either one or the other -- in the medium term both are needed.\" TAP External Affairs Director Michael Hoffmann expressed similar sentiments to UPI in a May interview. He said European energy market that will start to grow eventually despite the region\'s weak economy. \"We do not discount other pipelines from being built, which will ensure a win-win for Europe,\" he said.