Problems of Rational Use of Associated Petroleum Gas in Russia

Abstract

The geographical structure of associated gas production in Russian regions is considered. It is shown that the main volume of its production in Russia corresponds to Western Siberia, and the largest federal subject of Russia while the largest subject of the Russian Federation for the production of associated petroleum gas is Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug — Yugra is heads the list among the federal subjects of Russia in the output of associated petroleum gas. It is found that the main increase in associated gas production in Russia is due to the implementation of large mining projects in the east of the country and in the north of Western Siberia. We examine the major directions of rational use of associated petroleum gas: processing at the gas processing plant; cycling process, and energy (gas combustion in power plants for the production of electricity and heat). It is shown that the level of rational use over the past five years has increased by 10.4%, which is due to the introduction of a system of penalties for excess gas combustion (more than 5%). The aspects related to the need for integrated development of hydrocarbons produced and for rational use of associated petroleum gas in particular are analyzed. Some promising directions and conditions for improving the level of effective utilization of associated petroleum gas for the regions of Russia with due regard for are investigated. It is shown that in the absence of economic incentives for business, the State should play a significant role in improving the efficiency of natural resources and, more specifically, the promotion of the use of new advanced technologies and instruments of state regulation, including public-private partnership.