Russia’s long-standing dominance as Europe’s primary gas supplier is undergoing a seismic shift. Facing sanctions and a waning European market, the Kremlin is pivoting eastwards to meet Asia’s burgeoning energy demand.
This strategic reorientation has the potential to reshape global energy dynamics, with far-reaching implications for pricing, security, and sustainability, according to newly released research published in Nature Communications.
Historically, Europe relied heavily on Russian gas to fuel its industries and households. At its peak, Russia supplied more than 40% of Europe’s natural gas. However, geopolitical tensions following the Ukraine conflict and the imposition of Western sanctions have forced Moscow to diversify its customer base. The “Power of Siberia” pipeline, inaugurated in 2019, symbolises this pivot. Running over 2,000 kilometers, it delivers gas from Siberian fields to China and serves as a linchpin for Russia’s Asian ambitions.
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