Novak says Russian gas has lower carbon footprint than US gas

MOSCOW/ST. PETERSBURG, May 28 (PRIME) -- The carbon footprint of Russian gas delivered to Europe via the Nord Stream gas pipeline is four times lower than the footprint of the U.S.-produced shale gas, Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak told reporters on Friday.

“There is much hype about environmental friendliness of some products. But if we consider the issue seriously using objective data then the result can be surprising for some observers. Russian gas, sent to Europe via the Nord Stream gas pipeline, according to various analytical and consulting agencies, has a footprint that is four times lower… than of the gas, supplied to Europe from the U.S.,” he said.

“It is mainly linked to the fact that most U.S.-produced gas is made from shale rocks using hydraulic fracturing, while Russia pays special attention to ensuring its environmental leadership and providing our partners with ecologically clean energy,” Novak added.

On Thursday, U.S. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm told Congress that natural gas supplied by Russia is allegedly the "dirtiest" in the world.

Chairwoman of Russia’s Federation Council, the parliament’s upper house, Valentina Matviyenko said that Granholm’s statement is unjustified and is another example of unfair competition.

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