Russia and Italy will jointly build the "South European Gas Pipeline"

23, the Russian natural gas company shares with Italy's Ainisipa the construction and operation of the "South European Gas Pipeline," the draft plan agreed. The pipeline will pass through the Black Sea, the Russian natural gas directly to Europe.

On the same day, Russian Industry and Energy Minister Viktor Khristenko and Italian Economic Development Minister Pierre Luyizibei Er Sani signed a joint statement, welcomed the signing of the agreement. The statement said the pipeline is Russia's European energy supply to add a line, it will further expand Russia's natural gas supply to Europe, Russia and Europe to enhance cooperation in the energy field.

The pipeline is about 900 kilometers, the largest undersea depth of more than 2000 meters. "Southern Europe gas pipeline" will be in the line of sub-Bulgaria, Hungary by a northward to Austria and one from the south through Greece arrived in Otranto, Italy angle. Pipeline construction is expected period of three years.

At present, Italy is Europe's third-largest importer of natural gas, 86% dependent on natural gas imports, imports second only to Britain and Germany. Italy imports most of the natural gas from Algeria and Russia.