Reasons for changing the vector of Russian exports and the new role of the Arctic

• Published in: IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science
• Main Author: Dets, I A
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: unknown
• Published: IOP Publishing 2021
• Subjects: Arctic; Pacific; Global warming; Northern Sea Route; Siberia
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/629/1/012088; https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/629/1/012088/pdf; https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1755-1315/629/1/012088

Abstract The article provides an overview of projects for the construction of the export infrastructure of Russian resources, implemented in the recent decades. The factors influencing the decisions on the construction of the largest oil pipelines (Baltic pipeline system I and II, Eastern Siberia – Pacific Ocean) and gas pipelines (Nord Stream I and II, Turkish stream, Power of Siberia and others) are analysed. An approved program for the development of the Northern sea route until 2035, which involves major investments in the creation of a new eastern export route, is also being considered. The analysis shows that in addition to the political factor, the decisions on financing the new export infrastructure are influenced by the factors of competition and global warming. The latter acts both as a limiting factor due to environmental restrictions on fuel consumption in the European Union and as a stimulating factor due to the Russian government‘s hopes for more stable and cheaper navigation along the Northern Sea Route. The analysis illustrates that the export diversification policy in general is yielding results, which is demonstrated by an increase in the share of exports in the Asian direction. However, it remains unclear how rational financing new projects for the export of energy resources is in the context of a long-term trend towards a decrease in their cost in world markets.