The Irkutsk Region is the area of Gazprom's strategic interest

It was pointed out that the Irkutsk Region was the area of Gazprom's strategic interest. In the framework of the Eastern Gas Program a large gas production center will be created there on the basis of the Kovyktinskoye field which is to become a major source of gas supplies for the Power of Siberia gas transmission system.

The parties discussed the practical steps on creating the Irkutsk gas production center. In particular, they dwelled upon further development of Gazprom's resource base in the region. It was noted that C1+C2 gas reserves in the Chikanskoye field were increased from 98.2 to 120.7 billion cubic meters in 2012 through prospecting activities.

The work continues on the geological exploration project at the Kovyktinskoye field. It is planned to perform 3D seismic surveys over the area of 1,300 square kilometers and drill more than ten exploratory wells there before 2016. R&D activities will be carried out as well, with a helium extraction technology to be approved inter alia.

The meeting addressed the regional gasification and gas supply related issues. Gazprom is working out a relevant program until 2016. The program will provide for the development of NGV infrastructure and conversion of motor vehicles to natural gas.

Gazprom is elaborating an Investment Rationale for a comprehensive project of gas supply to southern areas of the Irkutsk Region. The project will have an extensive effect on the regional economy, among other things, due to the enabling conditions for developing the gas processing capacities, gas chemical facilities and related industries.

The parties touched upon the issue of gas supply to and gasification of Zhigalovo settlement. Gas is to be supplied there from the Chikanskoye field. For this purpose field pre-development documents are currently being updated.

Alexey Miller and Sergey Yeroshchenko mentioned Gazprom's proactive social policy in the area. As part of the Gazprom for Children program, 15 cutting-edge versatile sports grounds have been constructed in the Irkutsk Region and another seven grounds will start to be built in the current year. In 2013 Gazprom is planning to finish the construction of a modern sports and aquatic center in Irkutsk.

“This year we'll finish the investment rationale for gas supply to southern areas of the Irkutsk Region, and following its results we may decide on the accelerated commissioning of the Kovyktinskoye field,” Alexey Miller pointed out at the meeting.