Astana backs idea of building Russia-China gas pipeline via KazakhstanThe Kazakh government backs the initiative to build a gas pipeline from Russia to China via Kazakhstan, Kazakh Energy Minister Yerlan Akkenzhenov told Interfax."As far as I know, the recent comments by Novak [Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak] were that Russia is considering it [building the pipeline]. This will enable gas supply to Kazakhstan's northeastern regions. Therefore, we are in full support of it," he said."China has not officially stated its stance. There have been official conversations, in terms of ideas. There are currently no documents to establish the project. But as far as I understood, discussions are ongoing," Akkenzhenov said.As reported, the Kazakh government and Gazprom (MOEX: GAZP) signed a strategic partnership agreement in 2023 with the aim of developing collaboration in the supply, transportation and processing of natural gas, as well as geological exploration and production. The parties are discussing a project to build gas pipeline infrastructure with a capacity of 45 billion cubic meters of gas, of which 10 bcm is supposed to be used to supply northeastern Kazakhstan, and 35 bcm to be exported to China.The trunk pipeline, supplying gas to consumers in Kazakhstan's northern and northeastern regions, is already included in Russia's territorial planning scheme for federal transport, specifically pipeline transport. (ICE ALMATY)

Fonte notizia: INTERFAX