Russian govt approves concept for developing gas engine fuel market until 2035 with fourfold consumption growth
MOSCOW. Sept 8 (Interfax) - The Russian government has approved the concept for developing the gas engine fuel market until 2035, Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin said during a weekly meeting with deputy prime ministers.
The document aims to increase the number of vehicles using gas engine fuel, create modern refueling and service infrastructure, and improve the environmental situation.
The concept is based on two scenarios for the development of the gas engine fuel market in Russia. The baseline scenario is formed taking into account external challenges and instability in global energy markets; the target scenario envisages more favorable conditions under which the gas engine fuel market will develop at an accelerated pace.
The plan includes eight segments of vehicles and equipment, the conversion of which to gas engine fuel will provide a noticeable economic and environmental effect, as well as lead to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. These are automotive, railway, maritime and inland waterway transport, agricultural machinery and equipment, municipal and road construction equipment, and specialized equipment intended for work in quarries and mine workings.
"All these measures will expand domestic demand for natural gas, accelerate the creation of a new economic segment, and contribute to improving the environment in cities. This, in turn, will help further improve the quality of life of our citizens," Mishustin said.
"I can say without exaggeration that the adoption of the concept for the developing the gas engine fuel market in Russia is a historic step," Viktor Zubkov, the chairman of the board of directors of PJSC Gazprom , was quoted as saying by the press service of Gazprom Gazomotornoye Toplivo LLC, which is the unified operator for developing the gas engine fuel market.
"We are getting a strategic document that allows us to direct all available resources of our country towards increasing the consumption of natural gas for fueling transport. This will make it possible to significantly save budgetary funds, create new jobs, and multiply the reduction of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. Together, we are aiming to increase methane sales from the current 2.5 to over 10 billion cubic meters by 2035," Zubkov said.
"Gazprom remains a key partner of the state in this work. We provide infrastructural, technological and methodological support. Special attention in the document is paid to research and development work. This is a matter of the country's technological independence, and here Gazprom also has serious competencies. With the adoption of the concept, our state and its residents receive a serious impetus for developing the economy and all sectors of our industry," he said.
