Construction of a gas pipeline through Mongolia to China will start in early 2024

By Rhod Mackenzie

The project documentation for the Soyuz Vostok gas pipeline through Mongolia to China is expected to be approved in the first quarter of next year, paving the way for construction to commence.

The Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Victoria Abramchenko, announced this following the outcome of the Russian-Mongolian Intergovernmental Commission (IPC) on trade and economic cooperation, as reported by TASS.

"We remain on schedule and are not deviating." The preliminary analysis has been finalised and the blueprint will be accomplished by year-end. Approval of the project dossier along with all the assessments is anticipated in the initial quarter of the following year. Post that, one may proceed to the construction location," she explained.

It has been clarified that the expressway can be initiated in the initial quarter or later in the first half of 2024.

Abramchenko announced that Gazprom is well prepared to assist in the gas provision of Mongolia. According to her, the Mongolian section of Power of Siberia 2 could supply gas to the country. A gas supply diagram would be required for this. "We agreed within the framework of the IPC, and it's fascinating for Mongolia to discuss the creation of low-power nuclear power plants. This is a promising prospect, especially since Mongolia has its own mineral resources, including uranium," reports the Deputy Prime Minister.

The Soyuz Vostok pipeline extends the Power of Siberia - 2 gas pipeline, facilitating the yearly supply of up to 50 billion cubic metres of Russian natural gas through Mongolia to China. The Mongolian segment of the route will run for approximately 960 km.