OREANDA-NEWS. March 23, 2015. The Gazprom headquarters hosted a working meeting between Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Company’s Management Committee and Yegor Borisov, Head of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia).

The parties discussed the progress with implementing the Agreement of Cooperation. Special attention was paid to forming the Yakutia gas production center and constructing the Power of Siberia gas trunkline to supply gas to the Far East and China (eastern route). It was highlighted that the pre-development of the Chayandinskoye field, the main field of the Yakutia gas production center and the Power of Siberia construction were progressing in line with the schedule.

“Operations at Chayanda and Power of Siberia are in full swing and will be completed right on time,” said Alexey Miller.

The build-up of Gazprom’s production activities has a positive effect on the regional economy. In the recent five years the Company has invested RUB 10.1 billion into the projects in Yakutia, and in 2015 the volume of investments will reach some RUB 42 billion.

Alexey Miller and Yegor Borisov discussed the issue of engaging Yakutian companies in Gazprom’s projects. At present, several local companies are already employed in operations at the Chayandinskoye field and the Power of Siberia gas pipeline. Gazprom is interested in expanding such cooperation and invites Yakutian companies to be more active in bidding for the Company’s contracts.

The parties considered the possibility of engaging Larionov Institute of Physical and Technical Problems of the North, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Science in the Power of Siberia project.

Further development of the regional gasification was another key topic of the meeting. This year Gazprom is planning to complete the update of the general gas supply and gasification scheme of Yakutia with the account of the Power of Siberia gas pipeline construction. The gas pipeline will be laid near Lensk, Olekminsk, Aldan and Neryungri. The route was chosen with a view to gasify as many localities in southern parts of the Republic as possible.

Gazprom composed a draft of the Development Program for gas supply to and gasification of the Republic from 2015 to 2025. Presently it is being considered by the Government of Yakutia.

The parties addressed Gazprom’s participation in the social development of the Region. The Sterkh versatile sports complex was constructed in Yakutsk within the Gazprom for Children program. Support was rendered to children’s institutions and the central hospital in Lensk. The possibility is being considered for allocating additional funds to completing the reconstruction of the Troitsk Cathedral in Yakutsk.

Background

Gazprom and the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) entered into the Agreement of Cooperation in July 2007. In September 2014 in furtherance of this Agreement an Addendum was signed to cooperate in using the Yamal satellite communications and broadcast system. In December 2010 the Partnership Agreement for socioeconomic development was inked as part of the Eastern Gas Program. In September 2013 Gazprom and Ammosov North-Eastern Federal University (Yakutsk) entered into the Agreement of Cooperation.

The level of gasification in Yakutia totals 30.3 per cent (Russia’s average being 65.1 per cent). At present, Gazprom does not supply gas to consumers in the Republic.