OREANDA-NEWS  The construction of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Ust-Luga, Leningrad Region, owned equally by Gazprom and Rusgazdobych, faced problems due to the need to replace Japanese Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) turbines in the project, which the company refused to sell in 2022. About this, with reference to sources familiar with the situation, writes Kommersant.

Gas turbines GTD-110M produced by the United Engine Corporation (UEC, part of Rostec) are considered as equipment that can be supplied to the plant. A final decision has not been made, negotiations are underway. However, it is already clear that in case of a positive decision, the timing of the launch of the enterprise will be significantly delayed.

MHI, in addition to four turbines, was supposed to supply ten compressors. Now it is planned to order them from Kazancompressormash. At the same time, according to the interlocutors of the publication, there are no devices for GTD-110M in the plant's line, it is necessary to develop more powerful compressors. It is not specified how long this process will take.

Previously, it was assumed that the first line of the plant would work at the end of 2024, the second — in 2025, and the third - a year later. However, EU sanctions imposed after the start of the special operation in Ukraine blocked the supply of key equipment for large-capacity liquefaction. In addition, German Linde, which was responsible for the contracts, withdrew from the project.

Sergey Kondratiev from the Institute of Energy and Finance believes that changing equipment suppliers will lead to significant changes in project documentation and the need for a new state expertise. Only this circumstance will delay the implementation of the project for 12-15 months.