BERLIN, Oct 23 (Reuters) - German nationalised energy

firm SEFE on Wednesday said it signed a long-term agreement

with ConocoPhillips ( COP ) to purchase up to 9 billion cubic meters

(bcm) of natural gas over the next decade.

Initial deliveries under the deal have already started, with

gas supplied through various European trading hubs.

ConocoPhillips ( COP ), which sources gas from Norwegian production

and LNG imports, will contribute to SEFE's annual demand of

around 20 bcm, the company added.

"This partnership is a significant milestone in our

ambitious path towards a diversified gas portfolio," said Chief

Commercial Officer Frederic Barnaud in a statement.