Seen on a map, Europe's gas pipeline network appears both complex and comprehensive. It would appear to reflect all conceivable supply needs. Yet, in reality, it is an aggregation of a protracted series of regional networks, devised at different times to serve localized needs. In consequence there are serious shortcomings and illogical deficiencies. For example, in the absence of a single dedicated north-south pipeline, it is not easy to directly deliver gas from the Norwegian North Sea in the north to consumers in Sicily in the south. The network is not as integrated as it appears at first sight. The Baltic states are not connected to the main European grid and while Eastern Europe's gas pipelines have good links with Russia, their interregional links are poor, which makes it hard to trade gas from Poland to Romania. In addition, some pipelines have insufficient capacity. For example, the existing Larrau interconnector that links Spain and France can only transport 5.2 billion cubic meters (Bcm) per year.
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