02 June 2004 17:11
ISRAEL WANTS LONG-TERM SHIPMENTS FROM GAZPROM
MOSCOW. June 1 (Interfax) - Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon stressed the country's interest in long-term
contracts for gas supplies at a meeting with Gazprom Chairman Alexei Miller, Gazprom said in a press release.
The Gazprom delegation headed by Miller discussed shipments of Russian gas and Gazprom participation in creating gas
infrastructure during the visit.
The sides agreed to form a working group for the project. The best
option would be to supply Russian gas through Turkey using the Blue
The sides agreed to sign a memorandum addressing these matters and
describing the key tasks of this stage of cooperation in the gas
The Gazprom delegation that included head of capital construction and transport Mikhail Akselrod held talks with
Deputy Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Finance Minister Beniamin Netanyahu, Infrastructure Minister Iosef Paritski, and Ofer
Group President Eden Ofer.
Israel plans massive projects over the next few years to develop its gas market. It will increase the share of gas in
the energy balance from less than 1% to 25% by 2025. To do this is must build gas pipelines, low-pressure grids, and new
power plants that will use gas. The Israeli government wants Gazprom to be involved in the projects, namely to design
and build gas grids.
She said that the project to supply gas to Israel has been on the
table since 1998. Previously Israel wanted to receive 2 billion - 3
Stream pipeline and build a new gas pipeline through the Mediterranean Sea. The supply of liquefied or compressed gas
will also be explored.
industry.
Oil makes up about 67% of Israel's energy balance, coal makes up
30%, and natural gas accounts for less than 1%. Israel does not have
Israel is asking Gazprom to ensure supplies of Russian gas to the country of 6 billion - 8 billion cubic meters per
annum, Vlada Rusakova, head of the company's strategic development department, has said.
billion cubic meters of gas per annum, which made supplies unprofitable at the proposed price. In particular,
enormous investment was required in the construction of a gas pipeline, Rusakova said.
However, at the moment Israel is proposing to Gazprom to supply 6 billion - 8 billion cubic meters per year.
"This is interesting to us, at this level of supplies investment will be paid back," Rusakova said.
significant hydrocarbon reserves. Proven natural gas reserves are estimated at 45 billion cubic meters and gas
production totals 100 million cubic meters a year.
Gas consumption is expected to increase as the energy sector grows. According to the Infrastructure Ministry, natural
gas consumption will reach 11.5 billion cubic meters in 2025.
[Interfax] |
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