OREANDA-NEWS. October 26, 2010. A working meeting between Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee and Alexander Zhilkin, Governor of the Astrakhan Oblast took place in Astrakhan today.

The parties addressed the progress in implementing the Agreement of Cooperation signed by Gazprom and the Astrakhan Oblast. In particular, the regional gasification issues were considered.

Alexander Zhilkin expressed gratitude to Gazprom for the Astrakhan landscape improvement and restoration work. Particular attention was paid to the large-scale reconstruction of the Volga River embankment.

It was emphasized that the opening ceremony for the Oil and Gas Institute under the Astrakhan State Technical University was held on October 1, 2010 upon completion of the building repair and laboratory equipping activities at Gazprom’s expense.

Astrakhan also hosted a working meeting on gas processing advancement in the region.

Background

The Agreement of Cooperation between Gazprom and the Astrakhan Oblast Government was signed in April 2006, the Accord on Gasification – in March 2000.

In 2005–2009 Gazprom invested over RUB 1.6 billion in the Astrakhan Oblast gasification. A total of 57 population centers, nearly 7.6 thousand apartments and households were gasified and 46 boiler houses were converted to gas through the joint efforts of Gazprom and the regional authorities.

The average level of natural gas penetration in the Astrakhan Oblast amounts to 74.7 per cent including 82.2 per cent in cities and towns and 61.1 per cent in the rural area. The identical figures throughout Russia average 63.2, 67.5 and 45.5 per cent respectively.

In 2010 Gazprom allocated RUB 200 million for the Astrakhan Oblast gasification. These funds were used to finalize an inter-settlement gas pipeline and to begin construction of another one.

As part of the Agreement of Cooperation, Gazprom undertook the obligation on reconstructing and improving the 1.8-kilometer Volga River embankment.

The reconstruction process called for intensive studies and advanced engineering solutions. The promenade area was extended and the entire structure was reinforced to resist floodwaters. In addition, the embankment was equipped with several modern fountains.

Gazprom channeled RUB 90 million to reconstruct the building and to equip the laboratories of the Institute under the Astrakhan State Technical University.