Russia and China agree on Power of Siberia 2 pipeline

Russia and China have signed a memorandum to build the “Power of Siberia 2” gas pipeline, strengthening their energy cooperation as Moscow shifts its focus toward Asia. However, according to Reuters, the project may not reach full capacity until 2034–2035, with key details like pricing, terms, and timelines still under negotiation. The deal highlights Russia’s ongoing pivot away from Europe amid strained energy relations. #Russia #China #Energy #GasPipeline #PowerOfSiberia2 #Geopolitics #Asia #NaturalGas #Reuters #EnergySecurity

Pleased to share my latest piece published in East Asia Forum, discussing the recent signing of a ‘legally binding memorandum’ on the Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline among China, Russia and Mongolia. This event reflects less a change in technical conditions than a shift in the geopolitics and global energy landscape — particularly the collapse of the Russia–EU energy relationship. The piece suggests that, despite the signing, China is likely to proceed with caution, as volatility in global gas markets and geopolitics is likely to persist — or even intensify — in the years ahead. East Asia Forum https://lnkd.in/gy2Rvx3G

The initiation of the Volkhov-Murmansk gas pipeline project by Gazprom, announced in October 2025, is a strategic Russian operation that positions China as the primary beneficiary and indispensable partner. The pipeline, over 800 km long with a capacity of 40 billion cubic meters per year (bcm/a), is the logistical pillar channeling surplus gas from Russia's western systems to the Kola Peninsula. The goal is to transform that gas into LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) at the Novatek plant in Murmansk, earmarking the product for Asian markets. For Beijing, an avid consumer of gas and Russian LNG, the project's strategic importance is multifold: -Guaranteed Energy Security: The Murmansk infrastructure ensures stable and massive access to Arctic resources for China, aiding in supply diversification. In alignment with the Arctic LNG 2 project (whose construction center is in Murmansk), it is anticipated that up to 80% of the LNG produced in the Arctic will flow to Asia, making the pipeline indispensable to Chinese security. -Technological and Strategic Resolution: China has already proven to be the key partner capable of circumventing Western sanctions. In 2023, it supplied the essential turbines (via the state-owned Harbin Guanghan Gas Turbine Company) that saved the Arctic LNG 2 project from Western blockage. This support reinforces interdependence and secures a unique geopolitical leverage for Beijing. -Geopolitical and Logistical Advantage: LNG exports from Murmansk will utilize the Northern Sea Route (NSR), offering China a shorter, less vulnerable shipping route than traditional maritime chokepoints. This solidifies the strategic alliance with Moscow, enhancing China's influence in the Arctic—a vital area that also hosts Russia's Northern Fleet. Ultimately, while Russia achieves energy reorganization, it is China that secures a dominant role in the future of Arctic LNG, even as it accepts a growing strategic dependence on an increasingly isolated and militarized partner on its northern flank. Read our analysis here: https://lnkd.in/dTvVAFPQ #ArcticEnergy #RussiaChina #LNG #VolkhovMurmansk #Geopolitics #ArcticLNG2 #NSR #RussiaPivotToAsia #ArcticLogistics #EnergySecurity #GeopoliticalLeverage #Novatek #Gazprom #SanctionsImpact #LiminalWarfare #China #Russia #Putin #XiJinping #Gas #Oil

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the U.S. is prepared to sell more oil and natural gas to China if Beijing cuts back on purchases from Russia. #oilgas #energynews #oilandgas

🔥 Europe Pulls the Plug on Russian Gas — What Happens Next?  The European Union has officially agreed to phase out all Russian gas imports by January 1, 2028, and ban any new gas contracts from 2026 onward.  In short: Europe is cutting the cord.   .   This isn’t just policy — it’s a geopolitical earthquake.   🔹 Supply chains will have to reroute through LNG, North Africa, and the Middle East.   🔹 Russia will have to pivot even harder toward China and India.   🔹 Global gas pricing, LNG shipping routes, and long-term contracts will all feel the shockwaves.   .   Energy independence always sounds noble — until winter hits and spot prices start burning holes in the economy.   Europe is betting that renewables, interconnectors, and LNG terminals can fill the gap. But the question remains: can infrastructure catch up before the cutoff date?   .   For Russia, this is a long goodbye to its most profitable customer.   For Europe, it’s an expensive divorce from decades of dependency.  And for the rest of us — it’s a reminder that energy security is no longer just about molecules… it’s about politics, resilience, and timing.   .   Follow me on LinkedIn for more O&G and energy transition insights   https://lnkd.in/g-zTFtDw   —   #OilAndGas #EnergyTransition #Europe #Russia #LNG #NaturalGas #EnergySecurity #Geopolitics #GasMarkets  Reference link: https://lnkd.in/gAhatp2J

Japan & Russian Energy: Strategy Shift Japan’s Trade Minister said the country will act in its national interest regarding Russian energy imports, while coordinating with international partners — highlighting the tension between energy security and geopolitics. https://lnkd.in/dsg2Hkf4 Post angle: “Geopolitics still drives engineering choices. When a country’s energy strategy shifts, so do project priorities, supply chains, risk profiles. For energy engineers: how do you build systems that can adapt when national policy or trade flows change overnight? What would you include when designing your next midstream or downstream system to absorb that risk?” #EngineeringResilience #OilAndGas #EnergyStrategy #Geopolitics #DesignThinking

The EU has officially approved a total ban on Russian gas imports by 2028, formalizing an energy realignment already underway. 📊 In 2024, Russia's share dropped to 19%. Leading suppliers now include: ▫️ Norway: 33% ▫️ U.S.: 17% ▫️ Algeria: 14% 🔹A New Map of Global Gas Flows Europe is pivoting toward Norwegian pipelines and U.S. LNG, reinforcing transatlantic energy ties. The U.S. is now Europe’s top LNG supplier, while projects like the Vertical Corridor are critical to phasing out Russian gas in Central and Southeast Europe. Greece is emerging as a key LNG hub, with U.S. support to expand its capacity. 🔹Regional Gaps Western Europe is better positioned for alternatives, while Central and Eastern regions face tougher challenges, making infrastructure upgrades essential. 🔹Opportunities vs. Risks ✅ Stronger energy security and reduced geopolitical exposure. ⚠️ Greater reliance on global LNG markets and price volatility. Europe is not just cutting ties with Russian gas, it is redesigning its entire energy architecture. The key question now is how Europe will balance security, sustainability, and affordability in this new order. #REPowerEU #EnergySecurity #NaturalGas #LNG #EnergyPolicy #Geopolitics #EU

Credit to Carole Nakhle October 22, 2025 Energy shapes transatlantic relationship https://lnkd.in/gzvmyZ4n In a nutshell • The U.S. and EU struck a trade and energy deal worth up to $750 billion  • Europe seeks security of supply while reducing reliance on Russia • Questions remain over feasibility, climate pledges and political alignment Facts & figures Transatlantic energy trade • In August, 66% of U.S. LNG exports went to Europe, making it the top destination for U.S. LNG shipments. • In 2024, the EU still imported about 22 billion euros in fossil fuels from Russia and about 700 million euros worth of nuclear supplies. • The EU’s total LNG import capacity now amounts to around 250 billion cubic meters per year, more than double the current annual LNG imports.  • Between 2022 and 2024, a record 12 new LNG terminals and six expansion projects were commissioned across the EU, adding 70 bcm of import capacity. • Fossil fuels account for 73% of the EU’s primary energy mix (oil 42%, gas 22% and coal 9%) while nuclear, hydropower and modern renewables account for 14%, 3% and 10% respectively. Questionable numbers underlying targets The target would require the EU to import up to 930 bcm of LNG, more than three times its total gas consumption in 2024, which stood just below 300 bcm. The physical export capacity of the U.S. is currently around 117 million metric tons per year, equivalent to around 150 bcm of gas. While this may expand to 212 million tons per year (roughly 272 bcm) by 2028, that projection depends on the rapid completion of several projects that are still awaiting final investment decisions. ■ Most likely: Strategic alignment holds ■Less likely: Political or market disruptions derail progress

The idea of a Trans-Caspian gas pipeline is not new. It has been discussed since the 1990s, but has been repeatedly hindered by significant financial and logistical hurdles. The proposed pipeline would run under the Caspian Sea to an existing terminal in Azerbaijan, creating a direct route to Western markets. Continue Reading▶️ https://lnkd.in/ec6HUtXE #pipelinejournal #pipelinenews #pipelineindustry

This is welcome recognition of the importance of Australian gas to Asia by Resources Minister Madeleine King and Office of National Intelligence Director-General Andrew Shearer. Australian LNG exports not only support energy security and energy transition throughout the region but also help underpin key strategic alliances with trading partners. Australia is Asia's biggest supplier of LNG.  Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, the Philippines and many other countries in the region will need reliable and affordable gas supply over coming decades to support energy security and decarbonisation.   Policy and regulatory certainty is required to attract continued investment in major gas projects and it's encouraging to see this acknowledged.   Australia has more than sufficient gas resources to meet both domestic energy needs and demand for LNG from Asia. #LNG #NaturalGas #EnergySecurity #Decarbonisation #Decarbonization #RegionalSecurity https://bit.ly/3IYjB35