EGF Gazprom Monitor, Issue 77, October 2017

A Snapshot of Key Developments in the External Relations of the Russian Gas Sector

By Dr Jack Sharples, EGF Associate Researcher on the External Dimensions of Russian Gas and Lecturer in Energy Politics at the European University of St Petersburg

Key points:

• Gazprom and the EU:
  • Gazprom on the European market:  Revised EU Security of Gas Supply Regulation comes into force on 1st of November, following adoption by the EU Council; Gazprom and European Commission continue their negotiations over the Gazprom"s proposals regarding the antimonopoly investigation; Gazprom Export announces year-on-year 9.2% increase gas exports to Europe in January-October 2017, and expects record-breaking year for export volumes
• Nord Stream: Danish parliament debates amendment to law that could grant government powers to block pipelines in Danish territorial waters on grounds of national foreign policy, defence, and security interests
• Southern Corridor: Gazprom announces that around 25% of Turkish Stream pipes have been laid as the two offshore lines in Russia"s EEZ are completed
• Ukraine: Tribunal hearings on monetary award in Gazprom-Naftogaz arbitration case, ruling could be issued by end of November
• Asia: Gazprom announces that Power of Siberia is 50% complete, and on schedule for launch in December 2019
• Other:  Novatek signs cooperation agreement with CNPC and MoU with China Development Bank for cooperation on Arctic LNG project; Novatek signs agreement with Kamchatka regional government to build LNG trans-shipment terminal, could provide opportunity for cooperation with Gazprom for regional gas supply