Multipurpose utilization of natural gas in the Baikal Region: backgrounds, vectors, and implementation conditions

A priority task for developing the Baikal region (the Irkutsk Oblast, Buryatia Republic, and Zabaikal region) is to modernize the existing chemical industry, and to build new facilities which are oriented on usage of both natural gas and its components, and producing high value added products. Being used as the power-generating and process fuel, gas could allow replacing expensive fuel oil and solving many social and ecologic problems. The Kovykta Gas Condensate Field ready for its commercial operation could become a resource base for such gasification. The paper also presents the economic assessment of building the new gas processing works and gas-chemical plants in the territory of the Baikal region; the efficiency of methane usage as fuel by different consumer's groups; a comparative analysis of several regional gas supply systems; and what is required the recommendations proposed to be realised.