Russian gas producer NOVATEK plans to build a wind power plant in Sabetta to gradually replace the power generation of the local gas-fired thermal power plant. This is to reduce the carbon footprint of the Yamal LNG project. It is not yet known when the plant will go into operation. The capacity of the new plant can be up to 200 MW, and the cost in the Arctic version, according to analysts, will be 12-14 billion rubles. Kommersant reported that Denmark’s Vestas is said to be the most likely contender to build the wind farm.
NOVATEK, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions, plans to build its first wind farm near the Yamal LNG plant in Sabetta. This is reported by several Russian sources. Potentially, the wind farm will successively replace the energy production of the existing thermal power plant, which supplies the LNG plant with electricity.
Novatek intends to install an electrolyzer for the production of hydrogen in the wind farm for the production of environmentally friendly (green) hydrogen, which is more in demand among European buyers than “blue”.
According to Russian newspaper Kommersant, in late 2021 or early 2022, the company plans to tender for a contractor to build the wind farm and supply turbines. The main contender for the contract is Denmark’s Vestas. Siemens Gamesa may also potentially come up for selection.
The Yamal area has a high wind potential: the wind speed on the peninsula is about nine meters per second. However, Arctic wind turbines will cost NOVATEK somewhat more than conventional ones.
Vladimir Sklyar of the financial analysis agency of Russian investment bank VTB Capital believes Novatek’s planned wind farm could cost between 12 and 14 billion roubles (138-161 million euros).
As part of its emissions reduction strategy, NOVATEK is also considering upgrading one of eight Siemens SGT-800 gas turbines at the Sabetta TPP.
NOVATEK has set a target to reduce specific greenhouse gas emissions from hydrocarbon production by 6% from the current 12.58 tonnes of CO2 per thousand barrels of oil equivalent by 2030. By the end of 2022, the company plans to adjust its long-term development strategy, taking into account the plans for green projects.
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal
