Import substitution is Gazprom’s priority

Taking part in the meeting were Members of the Gazprom Management Committee, heads of the relevant units and organizations of Gazprom and RUSNANO as well as representatives of nanotech companies.

Gazprom, RUSNANO and Russian nanotech companies boost the cooperation aimed at developing innovative technical solutions and substituting imported products.

In particular, RUSNANO developed proposals for three categories of import-substituting materials and equipment for Gazprom: chemicals, pipes & insulation materials, and equipment for LNG production. Later on, RUSNANO will cooperate with the 'New Technologies in Gas Industry' Association of Equipment Manufacturers with a view to pool the resources of nanotech companies and oil & gas equipment manufacturers.

The meeting considered the progress with the ongoing projects on developing innovative products for Gazprom.

For instance, in cooperation with Grasys a pilot membrane unit for helium separation from natural gas is tested at the Kovyktinskoye field in the Irkutsk Region.

The pilot tests of an independent power supply source (generator) designed by TERMOINTECH, RUSNANO's affiliate, are conducted at Gazprom's production facility in the Nadym-Pur-Taz Region. The natural gas-fired generator provides for power generation at out-of-grid facilities. It is of vital importance for Eastern Siberian and Far Eastern facilities suffering from a lack of infrastructure. The testing will be completed in spring 2015.

Jointly with Laser Solutions, the fiber-optic system to monitor gas pipeline condition is being currently assessed for operation at Gazprom's facilities. Proposals on enhancing the system to meet Gazprom's strict requirements for security of gas transmission facilities, were submitted following the completion of the pilot operation's first stage at the Sakhalin – Khabarovsk – Vladivostok gas trunkline sections.

The program for applying serial composite pipes to construct water supply and sewerage systems, production and process medium pressure pipelines, is being developed in association with Holding Company Composite.

The meeting participants paid special attention to innovative solutions that could be applied during the construction of the Power of Siberia gas trunkline system, for instance, LED-based luminaries of Optogan, pipes with special protective coating of METAKLEY as well as nitrogen separation units of Grasys. These products successfully passed tests at Gazprom's facilities. Out of all the innovative equipment proposed by RUSNANO for the Power of Siberia construction, eight more units were approved by Gazprom. They meet the corporate requirements and are included into the List of Materials, Equipment and Technologies allowed for the Company's business activities.

“Import substitution is Gazprom's priority. We've been consistently and seriously engaged in this activity for many years. I am confident that the effect from RUSNANO's participation will be accumulated every year,” said Alexey Miller.

In November 2010 Gazprom and RUSNANO signed the Protocol of Joint Actions. The document stipulates wider use of nanotechnologies by gas industry companies.

In June 2011 the Gazprom Innovative Development Program until 2020 was approved. The Program is aimed at constant improvement of Gazprom's technology level to retain the position of an engineering leader in the global energy business. The Program stipulates a pro-active approach to cooperation with corporate and independent research institutions as part of the R&D activities as well as with national development institutes and higher educational institutions in joint studies and staff training.

In September 2011 Gazprom and RUSNANO approved a Program to boost the demand for innovative and, inter alia, nanotech products in the gas industry.