Kazakhstan welcomes potential Power of Baikal gas pipeline route through its territory

September 16, 2026 at 10:47 PM2 min

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Kazakhstan would welcome the construction of the Power of Baikal gas pipeline, formerly known as Power of Siberia 2, through its territory, Deputy Energy Minister Kaiyrkhan Tutkyshbayev said at the TNF-2026 industrial and energy forum in Tyumen. The route would help resolve gasification of the country's northeastern regions, he added. Kazakhstan is not participating in negotiations on the route choice, which are being conducted by Russia and China.

Key Facts

Deputy Energy Minister Kaiyrkhan Tutkyshbayev said Kazakhstan would welcome the Power of Baikal gas pipeline passing through its territory.
The pipeline, formerly known as Power of Siberia 2, could resolve gasification of Kazakhstan's northeastern regions, according to Tutkyshbayev.
Kazakhstan is not involved in negotiations on the route choice, which are being conducted by Russia and China.
The project envisages supplies of 50 billion cubic meters of gas from Russia to China via Mongolia.
In 2025, Russia and China signed a legally binding memorandum on the construction of Power of Siberia 2 and the Soyuz Vostok transit pipeline through Mongolia.

Pipeline Route Options

Tutkyshbayev mentioned two possible directions for the gas pipeline from Russia to China: through Mongolia or through Kazakhstan. He said Kazakhstan is discussing the issue and would welcome the route through its territory because it would help gasify the northeastern regions. The deputy minister also noted that re-export and pricing policy are transparent, and that work with Gazprom has led to full understanding.

Negotiation Status

Kazakhstan is not participating in negotiations on the choice of the pipeline route, Tutkyshbayev clarified. The negotiations are being conducted by the Russian and Chinese sides. He did not report any agreement on laying the pipeline through Kazakhstan.

Project Background

The project of the main gas pipeline from Russia to China provides for supplies of 50 billion cubic meters of gas from Russia to China through Mongolia. In 2025, Russia and China signed a legally binding memorandum on the construction of Power of Siberia 2 and the Soyuz Vostok transit pipeline through Mongolian territory.