The main gas artery linking Siberian gas fields with China, designed to carry as much as 50 billion cubic meters annually, is anticipated to start operating in 2033. This projection comes from a review of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) and was reported by RIA News, reflecting a long-term plan that has quietly progressed through several rounds of discussion and assessment.
In the extended summary often referred to as the “Power of Siberia 2” project, the materials on the 2050 gas market outlook reiterate a target date of 2033 for first gas flows. The document notes that construction readiness and regulatory milestones should align in time for a 2033 opening, signaling a continued push to expand supply links between Russia and Asia. The emphasis remains on ensuring the pipeline not only reaches capacity quickly but also operates with sustained reliability over the coming decades.
By the end of December, comments from Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak indicated that a principle agreement on Power of Siberia 2 had been reached. Novak described ongoing negotiations between Gazprom and the Chinese state oil company CNPC, focusing on the commercial terms and the economic framework necessary to move from principle consent to a binding contract. He stressed that the negotiations were near completion and that coordination activities were actively under way, highlighting the importance of a clear financial and regulatory pathway to enable timely construction and operation.
Chinese authorities have echoed this momentum. Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui reported active discussions on the potential implementation of the Power of Siberia – 2 gas pipeline project, underscoring the strategic significance attributed to a robust, reliable cross-border energy corridor. The dialogue, he noted, remains constructive, with both sides examining project economics, risk allocation, and long-term energy security objectives for their respective regions.
Earlier statements from Russia’s Ministry of Energy suggested a notable expansion in gas exports to the Asia-Pacific region over the past six years. The department has pointed to a steady ramp-up in volumes, supported by both upstream development and midstream export capacity enhancements. This trajectory aligns with strategic plans to diversify markets for Russian gas, ensuring that Asia-Pacific demand remains a central pillar of regional energy supply, even as global markets evolve amidst price and policy shifts. The ongoing dialogue around Power of Siberia 2 is framed within this broader push to strengthen energy ties with Asia while keeping channels open for future diversification and resilience in supply networks. [GECF analysis] [Novak statements] [CNPC reports]