Russia is targeting a substantial boost in gas exports to China, with plans to lift pipeline deliveries to 100 billion cubic meters per year. The announcement came from Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak during a government session in the Federation Council, as reported by TASS. The strategic objective reflects ongoing efforts to diversify energy routes and strengthen Russia’s role as a major supplier to the world’s energy markets.
Looking ahead, Novak outlined a phased export trajectory. He indicated that in 2023 Russia is projected to ship about 22 billion cubic meters of gas to China. By 2025, the volume is expected to rise to 38 billion cubic meters, aligned with the expansion capacities of the Power of Siberia pipeline. In parallel, momentum is building for the Power of Siberia 2 project, which is designed to connect additional volumes along a broader corridor to meet growing demand in Asia. The overall plan envisions progressively larger deliveries as new export routes come online and compression and transmission capacity are enhanced across the system.
Novak described an additional development: a new Far East route could deliver 10 billion cubic meters, while work on Power of Siberia 2 would pass through Mongolia and is planned to reach a capacity of 50 billion cubic meters. When combined with existing and upcoming lines, these initiatives are expected to support a total supply of roughly 100 billion cubic meters to China and neighboring markets in this corridor. The remarks underscore the government’s focus on expanding pipeline exports and leveraging multi-route connectivity to stabilize and grow energy deliveries to key buyers.
In the broader context, Novak also noted that Russia’s total natural gas production is forecast to decline modestly, from 673.8 billion cubic meters in 2022 to about 642 billion cubic meters in the following year. The shift in overall production levels reflects a range of factors, including market dynamics, domestic demand, and the ongoing development of new export infrastructure that shapes the country’s production planning and supply strategy.
Earlier statements from Gazprom’s leadership, including remarks by Alexey Miller and other company officials, have referenced the potential for China deliveries via the Power of Siberia to exceed previously stated targets, and the company has signaled plans that could involve further increases beyond 38 billion cubic meters in the path of the Power of Siberia corridor. These comments align with a broader public communications strategy that emphasizes pipeline reliability, regional cooperation, and long-term agreements with Chinese energy buyers. Gazprom has also discussed the possibility of scaling the Power of Siberia project in alignment with market demand, transport capacity upgrades, and regulatory approvals that enable continued expansion of cross-border gas flows.
Ultimately, the evolving program represents a concerted effort to diversify export routes, optimize pipeline capacity, and support sustained hydrocarbon supply to Asia. While fluctuations in production and global gas markets will influence final outcomes, the collaboration between domestic producers, construction projects, and international partners continues to drive the development of a more interconnected and resilient energy corridor between Russia and China. This strategy remains central to Russia’s energy export architecture and its long-term position in the regional gas market. [citation: government briefing; TASS report; Gazprom press statements]