Gazprom to Design Bigger Pipe to China
Russia's Gazprom is due to begin design and surveying work for a second gas pipeline to China, the Kremlin reported on March 27.
Russian president Vladimir Putin granted Gazprom permission to proceed with the work during a meeting with company head Alexei Miller, according to the Kremlin's website. The pipeline through Mongolia will be capable of flowing 50bn m3/yr of gas, Miller said. This marks the first time Gazprom has commented on its capacity.
Russia launched piped exports to China through the Power of Siberia pipeline in December, with supplies expected to reach the full 38bn m3/yr capacity in 2025. Moscow had wanted to route a second pipeline directly to China via Altai, but decided last year to pursue a project through Mongolia instead – Beijing's preferred option.