Kazakhstan and CNPC hold talks on strategic oil and gas projectsThe Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan and China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC) held a high-level meeting to advance discussions on key oil and gas projects, according to an official statement released by the ministry.The meeting was led by Kazakhstan’s Deputy Energy Minister, Yerlan Akkenzhenov, and included representatives from CNPC, KazMunayGas, and QazaqGaz."Among the key projects dicussed were the expansion of the Shymkent Oil Refinery, a critical endeavor to increase the country’s refining capacity; the 'Carbamide' project, which seeks to strengthen Kazakhstan’s petrochemical industry; and the construction of the second line of the Beyneu-Bozoy-Shymkent gas pipeline, set to significantly enhance the nation’s gas transportation infrastructure," according to the statemnt.The parties also reviewed contract extensions for "Mangistaumunaigas" and "Urikhtau," as well as logistics related to natural gas supply and transport.Deputy Minister Akkenzhenov emphasized the importance of these ventures, stating, “These projects are vital for Kazakhstan’s energy future. We highly value our partnership with Chinese stakeholders and remain optimistic about achieving our shared goals.”Following the discussions, both sides committed to continuing their collaborative efforts, conducting further technical consultations, and coordinating the next steps to ensure the successful implementation of these mutually beneficial initiatives.CNPC, one of the world’s largest oil companies, has invested over $45 billion in Kazakhstan’s oil and gas industry. Its operations in the country employ more than 30,000 people, with 98.3% being local Kazakh workers.The expansion of the Shymkent Oil Refinery aims to double its annual capacity from 6 million to 12 million tonnes. Once completed by 2030, the project is expected to produce an additional 700,000 tonnes of gasoline, 700,000 tonnes of aviation fuel, and 3.9 million tonnes of diesel fuel annually. Originally built in 1985, the refinery is jointly owned by KazMunayGas and CNPC, each holding a 50% stake.The Beyneu-Bozoy-Shymkent pipeline, Kazakhstan’s largest gas infrastructure project, spans across the Mangystau, Aktobe, Kyzylorda, and Turkestan regions. The construction of the pipeline’s second line is currently underway.The Carbamide project, to be implemented at the Zhanazhol Gas Processing Plant, will address Kazakhstan’s annual demand for nitrogen fertilizers, estimated at 350,000–400,000 tonnes. In July 2024, KazMunayGas and CNPC signed an agreement to deepen cooperation in carbamide production and other products. With an estimated cost of $1.5 billion, the project is expected to produce up to 1.2 million tonnes of carbamide annually. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX