Kazakhstan eyes better utilization of gas reserves

Oct. 5, 2000
Kazakhstan's Ministry for Energy, Industry, and Trade said Oct. 1 that it has signed a $600,000 contract with US-based consulting firm Gustavson Associates to find ways to utilize the country's plentiful natural gas resources.


Kazakhstan's Ministry for Energy, Industry, and Trade said Oct. 1 that it has signed a $600,000 contract with US-based consulting firm Gustavson Associates Inc. to find ways to utilize the country's plentiful natural gas resources.

Noting that its "Soviet-vintage" pipeline network is ill-equipped to fuel the anticipated growth in Kazakhstan the next few years, the ministry said that Gustavson will investigate gas production forecasts from Kazakhstan's currently known fields as well as the potential for new discoveries. It also will look at domestic demand for gas from the country's electricity, chemical and other primary industries. The study will also focus on Kazakhstan's industrial sectors, particularly chromium and aluminum.

Nourlan Kapparov, vice minister of energy, industry and trade in Kazakhstan, said the study would be incorporated in the country's long-term plan to find markets for its gas reserves.

A US Trade & Development Agency grant will help support the contract.