At a press conference, Kazakhstan's Minister of Energy Erlan Akkenzhenov announced that Russia continues to explore the possibility of laying the "Power of Siberia-2" gas pipeline through Kazakhstan, despite China's preference for the route through Mongolia.
Akkenzhenov noted that Russian colleagues are interested in constructing the pipeline through Kazakhstan, which would allow for an increase in gas consumption volumes. It is expected that an additional 35 billion cubic meters of gas will be transported to China, while 10 billion may remain in Kazakhstan. "For Russia, which has rich resources, this project is of undeniable interest," the minister added.
The minister also reminded that in the summer, Zhang Hanhui, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of China to Russia, emphasized China's interest in the Mongolian route, as laying the pipeline through Kazakhstan would require higher costs. Nevertheless, the project has economic significance for Kazakhstan. "As the Ministry of Energy, we cannot make political assessments. This international project is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, the economic benefits of this project passing through our country are evident," noted Akkenzhenov.
The "Power of Siberia-2" pipeline is planned to be laid from Yamal and Western Siberia to China with an annual capacity of 50 billion cubic meters. In December 2023, Russia announced the signing of a final agreement between Gazprom and the Chinese company CNPC for the construction of the pipeline. Currently, surveys are being conducted on the section that will pass through Mongolia.
At the end of December 2024, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak announced the start of construction of the gas pipeline that will run from Russia through Kazakhstan to China. Its capacity will be 45 billion cubic meters, of which 10 billion are intended for the gasification of Kazakhstan.
source: MiddleAsianNews
