Rosneft and Russian Machines, a company of Basic Element group, signed a Memorandum of Understanding that envisages joint projects to boost the use of natural gas in vehicles and build CNG filling stations across the Russian Federation. The document was signed by Chairman of Rosneft Management Board Igor Sechin and Chairman of Russian Machines Board of Directors Siegfried Wolf, and will synchronize both companies’ efforts in expanding use of natural gas in vehicles.
The MoU also stipulates that the parties carry out shared technoeconomic research to develop infrastructure and marketing framework for CNG as vehicle fuel. Furthermore, it covers the arrangement of equipment design and testing, also shared by the parties, with regards to Rosneft CNG stations. By 2023, the company expects to commission up to 1,000 fueling facilities.
“Implementation of this agreement will make a significant contribution to development of this environment-oriented fuel market. Furthermore, it will encourage the creation of cutting-edge domestically-made equipment,” commented Igor Sechin.
Siegfried Wolf said: “The promotion of natural gas-driven transportation market in Russia is one of the top priorities pursued under our corporate strategy. We’re a leading domestic manufacturer of CNG commercial vehicles, including LCVs, buses of different types and trucks. In 2015 we pioneered with our proprietary gas filling module that was commissioned in Nizhny Novgorod. I believe that expanding cooperation with Rosneft will further favor the introduction and localization of up-to-date gas filling technology.”
Source: Rosneft
