Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, 11 January / Trend H. Hasanov /
The hydrocarbon resources of Turkmenistan are more than sufficient in terms of meeting the foreseeable needs of China, Russia, Iran and Europe combined, Turkmen Dovlet khabarlary (TDH) reported in its final annual report.
'Speaking of confirmed by international experts quantities of hydrocarbon resources in Turkmenistan, which is more than 71 billion tons of standard coal (or oil equivalent), it is appropriate to emphasise that this volume is more than sufficient to meet the future needs of China, Russia, Iran and Europe together', the report says.
The article also draws attention to the fact that BP has confirmed 'huge gas reserves that place Turkmenistan in fourth place in world and serve as a guarantee for provision by Turkmenistan of existing and prospective pipelines with 'blue fuel' in any volume'.
In particular, it is emphasised that according to BP's 'Energy Outlook 2030', Turkmenistan is to play an increasing role in the international energy market.
One of the major projects in this area undertaken by the country is the implementation of the first phase of the industrial development of the Galkynysh gas field with reserves exceeding 26 trillion cubic meters.
In 2012, intense works were undertaken in this sector including drilling of wells, construction of a desulphurisation plant, as well as laying a 100-kilometre long gas pipeline to the Shatlyk compressor station (CS).
TDH stated that Turkmengas and Turkmennebitgazgurlushyk state concerns are undertaking through its equity construction of the longest pipeline in the country, East-West, connecting the aforementioned station to the Belek compressor station.
According to the article, an almost 1000 kilometre long pipeline will connect all the local gas networks and contribute towards the establishment of a secure and stable system of delivery of Turkmen energy resources to international markets.
Eight compressor stations are to be constructed within the project. Geotechnical and topographic works are already completed across the laying route and construction works are underway. Start-up of the project is planned for 2015.
'In order to realise all the advantages provided by this pipeline one doesn't need to be an expert. Reverse flow of gas will make possible supplying gas in both east and west directions, 'the report states.