China’s efforts to secure its energy supply during the winter season have been given a significant boost by the annual imports from the Yamal natural gas project in the Arctic region. The current shortage of natural gas, especially in northern China, has made these imports crucial for the country’s energy security, as stated by an executive from China National Petroleum Corp.
According to Jiang Qi, the general manager of CNPC Russia, China’s imports from the Yamal project are playing a vital role in increasing the country’s oil and gas reserves, ensuring a stable and long-term supply. CNPC, being the largest oil and gas producer in China, has invested in the project and plans to import over 4 million metric tons of liquefied natural gas annually once the project is fully operational.
The cooperation between China and Russia in the energy sector has been highlighted by Jiang, who mentioned the establishment of a long-term oil and gas cooperation framework through projects like the Sino-Russia crude oil transmission pipeline and the natural gas pipeline currently under construction. The Yamal project also contributes to the development of the Northeast Passage in the Arctic Ocean, a sea route that directly connects China and Europe.
With the successful operation of the Yamal liquefied natural gas project, Chinese shipyards have gained valuable experience and technology in oil and gas exploration in the Arctic region. Chinese enterprises have played a significant role in the project, with 85 percent of the module construction and the majority of the LNG carriers being handled by them. The total construction and shipping contracts for the project amount to billions of dollars, showcasing the scale of China’s involvement in the project.
As China faces a gas shortage this winter due to its transition to cleaner energy and reduced coal usage, CNPC is actively seeking additional gas supplies from Central Asian countries to meet the domestic demand. This initiative is part of the company’s efforts to ensure an adequate supply of natural gas for the country during the winter season.
The Yamal natural gas project in the Arctic region not only secures China’s energy supply but also strengthens the energy cooperation between China and Russia. The project’s success is a testament to the collaboration between the two countries in the energy sector and the potential for further developments in the Arctic region.
