From Gasification of the Russian Trans-Urals and Arctic Zone to Energy Consolidation of Eurasia (Part 1)

Abstract

The paper proposes a concept of off-grid gasification of remote areas of the Trans-Urals and Arctic zone of Russia on the basis of small-scale LNG (ss-LNG) transported in cryogenic tanks in standard 20- and 40-foot tank-containers using pilotless heavy-lift airships (PHLA). The concept proposes the creation of a series of modular energy units for electricity and heat supply and cryo-filling stations for fuel supply on the basis of ss-LNG to remote facilities with different volumes and modes of consumption, a fleet of helium PHLAs based on the original Russian development “Vertical-4A”, infrastructure capacities – standard small-scale liquifaction plants producing ss-LNG “packed” in returnable cryogenic tank-containers, and logistical hubs to optimize their storage and turnover including places for PHLAs loading/offloading/basing. After being tested in Russian conditions the same model can be used to supply energy to vast territories of Eurasia, complementing and integrating the network of existing and projected gas pipelines and port terminals for large-scale LNG (ls-LNG), thus forming a common Eurasian energy space. This project, according to the authors, can become the basis for integration and consolidation of efforts of Eurasian countries (and then Africa and Latin America) to overcome energy poverty, looking for reliable sources of sustainable low-emission energy supply for economic growth.