OREANDA-NEWS. October 19, 2009. As part of the International Forum “Week of Efficient Gas Utilization and Distribution” a conference has been held in Moscow today attended by Gazprom’s delegation led by Oleg Aksyutin, Member of the Company’s Management Committee, Head of the Gas Transportation, Underground Storage and Utilization Department.

Addressing the conference participants, Oleg Aksyutin noted that efficient utilization of energy resources was a key factor of Russia’s successful socio-economic development. In this regard the priority should be given to natural gas conservation as it accounts for more than 50 per cent in the national fuel and energy mix.

The speaker underlined that Gazprom, as one of Russia’s largest gas consumers, was primarily oriented at less energy-intensive production processes. Over 2008 energy saving measures helped save over 2.3 billion cubic meters of gas and some 251 KW per hour of electric power, while the total natural gas saving between 2002 and 2008 exceeded 20 billion cubic meters.

Gazprom has achieved such significant results in gas and energy saving sector through introduction of programs for reconstruction of the Company’s facilities, elaboration of new technological solutions and application of R&D results. Currently, the Company is conducing comprehensive R&D work in the area of innovative energy saving technologies including those for heat recovery at natural gas compressor stations, production of liquid fuels at depleted fields, natural gas transportation and storage in the form of gas hydrates.

Oleg Aksyutin emphasized that significant energy saving and positive ecological effect had been achieved due to adoption of novel technologies in gas pipelines repair.

Gazprom is utilizing renewable energy sources as well. In particular, to secure reliable operation of gas pipelines and to prevent emergencies arising from energy supply interruptions, Gazprom is utilizing wind power modules and solar cells modules to generate electric power.

In conclusion, Oleg Aksyutin underlined that further application of gas and energy saving measures would enable Gazprom both to secure considerable gas saving and to minimize environmental impacts.