Part of Arctic LNG 2 under construction near Belokamenka in Murmansk
Russia’s quest for energy ‘technological sovereignty’, part 2
The country faces big challenges as it seeks to replace Western suppliers when it comes to LNG carriers, while sanctions have all-but halted its petrochemicals expansion
Russia has been locked out of Western oil and gas technologies since its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Since then, it has been seeking substitutes and has a programme to become more self-reliant. In the midstream, Russia produces all the components used to build pipelines, oil and gas treatment facilities, compressor units and cryogenic heat exchangers itself. The biggest challenge, as Petroleum Economist has reported in depth, is in the LNG sector. While Russia’s import substitution programme has achieved some important feats, including the development of domestic liquefaction technology, building LNG carriers “is a big headache for the country”, said Matthew Hale, senior vice-pre
Also in this section
28 April 2026
Oil traders warning of $200/bl oil are wrong, and the market should be wary of proclamations that the impact of the oil shortage has only begun to be felt and a that a ‘harsh adjustment’ is coming—even for industrialised nations
28 April 2026
Restoring supply from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain and Iraq involves complexities far beyond simply adjusting operational controls
28 April 2026
Datacentres will guzzle power at a ferocious rate, but the impact on wider energy markets will be far more complex than previously thought
28 April 2026
The key energy player faces balancing regional routes, political complexities, and creating a clear strategic vision for energy security
