Exec: Gazprom can set new record of European exports 2018

BERLIN, Apr 24 (PRIME) -- Russian gas giant Gazprom can set a new record of gas exports to Europe in 2018, judging by the current supply volumes, Deputy CEO Alexander Medvedev said at a conference on Tuesday.

“Last year was quite unique for the company. We set an absolute record of gas exports to Europe for the entire history of the Soviet and Russian gas industry, exporting 194.4 billion cubic meters (bcm) of gas. And that was a second record year in a row,” Medvedev said.

“But all figures of 2018 make us think that a new record of gas exports to Europe will be set this year.”

The company is sure that its share in Europe’s gas imports will not fall from the current of over 60%, he told channel Rossiya 24.

Gazprom’s non-CIS exports can exceed 200 bcm in 2020. “I am sure that we will exceed the amount of exports of 200 bcm and will surely exceed it in 2020 because shipments to China and Europe will start in 2019 (via new pipelines Sila Sibiri and Nord Stream-2),” Medvedev said.

Medvedev also said that a financing plan of the Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline agreed upon with the European partners does not rule out contingencies of all sorts and will be fulfilled on time.

Gazprom expects Sweden to issue a permit to construct the pipeline in April, Medvedev said. Denmark can issue a recommendation to the Energy Ministry at the same time.

Construction of Nord Stream-3 is not ruled out, if the E.U. confirms the need for Russian gas, Medvedev said.

The Nord Stream-2 project envisages construction of two lines of a natural gas pipeline with an annual capacity of up to 55 bcm, running from the Russian shore to Germany under the Baltic Sea. Gazprom will implement the project together with its European partners – Shell, OMV, Engie, Uniper, and Wintershall.

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