Finland approves Nord Stream pipeline plan

HELSINKI, Nov 5 (Reuters) - Finland on Thursday approved plans by the Nord Stream natural gas group to build a pipeline through its waters, taking the project one step closer to planned construction starting next year.

The pipeline, which will deliver 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year from Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea, still needs final approval from Finnish environmental officials, with a decision due by the end of 2009.

But the government's approval was a major hurdle cleared for the project, coming hours after neighbour Sweden also gave its blessing for the plan. [nL5324152]

Denmark gave its assent last month, leaving Russia and Germany as the last countries left to approve the pipeline. A Nord Stream spokesman said decisions from those countries are expected by the end of 2009.

Nord Stream, comprised of Russia's Gazprom (GAZP.MM), Germany's BASF (BASF.F) and E.ON EONG.DE, has said construction on the pipeline should begin in April, with the line on track to begin operations by the end of 2011.

A second line should be completed in 2012.

(Reporting by Eva Lamppu, writing by Brett Young)