Miller: Russia becomes world leader in helium production

The launch of the Kovykta field will make Russia the world leader in helium production, Gazprom CEO Alexei Miller said.

“The gas of Kovykta and Chayanda contains many valuable components. I would like to mention helium, which is in demand in high-tech industries”Miller said.

He added that the launch of the field will create new opportunities for the development of the region and increase exports.

Miller also noted that all facilities were put into operation strictly on time, and stressed that they were built in the most difficult climatic conditions.

Today, the largest gas condensate field in the East of Russia, Kovykta, was launched in the Irkutsk Region, designed to supply the Far East and deliveries to China via the Power of Siberia pipeline. The recoverable gas reserves are 1.8 trillion cubic meters.

The 804-kilometer Kovykta-Chayanda gas pipeline was put into operation, linking two fields. Thus, the “Power of Siberia”, linking Yakutia, Irkutsk and Amur regions, has fully earned.

President Vladimir Putin attended the launch ceremony via video link.