The Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline, when constructed to transport natural gas to China, can be used as an alternative to supplies that were destined via the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, according to Russian Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Novak on Friday.
The proposed pipeline would bring gas from the Yamal reserves in west Siberia - the main source of gas supply to Europe - to China, the world's top energy consumer and growing gas consumer.
Novak's remarks came on the heels of Russian energy company Gazprom's decision to cut gas flow due to technical reasons for an indefinite period through its key Nord Stream pipeline, which supplies gas to Europe.
The decision came in retaliation against a decision by G7 member states who agreed to cap Russia's crude oil export prices.
In an interview with Rossiya 24 TV channel, Novak said the Power of Siberia 2 natural gas pipeline plans to have an annual capacity of 50 billion cubic meters of gas per year.
"It can actually replace the Nord Stream 2 pipeline," he said.
The Power of Siberia 2 pipeline is still under construction and will transport natural gas from western Russia into Mongolia. Construction of all compressor stations is scheduled to be completed by 2022.
Reporting by Emre Gurkan Abay in Moscow
Writing by Sibel Morrow
Anadolu Agency
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