With the support of the Government of Karelia, natural gas was supplied to the city-forming enterprise of Pitkyaranta
Cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuel was launched at the enterprises, social facilities and homes simultaneously in 25 regions of Russia as part of the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum.
Today, the oldest city-forming enterprise of Pitkyaranta, the pulp mill OOO “RK-Grand”, had a special day: it was connected to natural gas. The event took place as part of the St. Petersburg International Gas Forum.
The start for the gas launch was given by the Chairman of the Management Committee of the PAO “Gazprom”, Alexey Miller:
- Today we are putting into operation new gasification and additional gasification facilities in 25 regions of Russia. Now even more Russian families, social facilities, industrial enterprises will be able to use natural gas, the most reliable, clean and cost-effective source of energy and heat. Gasification of the country is a new quality of life for the Russians. The goals and objectives set by the President of Russia Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin within the framework of the gas supply and gasification program and the additional gasification program will be completed on time and with high quality.
The launch of gas at the “RK-Grand” was preceded by a large-scale work of the AO “Gazprom Gazoraspredelenie Petrozavodsk” in cooperation with the Government of Karelia. As part of the project, the TPP and the lime kiln of the chemical shop will be converted from fuel oil to natural gas. A 420-meter-long gas distribution network was built for these purposes. The first part of the project has now been completed. It was conversion of the lime recovery furnace of the chemical shop to gas, where commissioning work is currently underway. The connection of the TPP is planned for the second stage in August 2025.
- Gasification of the “RK-Grand” enterprise assumes a large economic effect. The plant will reduce expenses on fuel purchases by almost 2 times. In addition, gasification will improve the working conditions of workers, - welcomed the Prime Minister of the regional Government Alexander Chepik on behalf of the Head of Karelia Artur Parfenchikov.
- Another facility in our republic has received the opportunity to use a modern energy resource. A little over a year ago, natural gas came to the first households in Pitkyaranta, and today we are already participating in the launch of gas at the largest industrial enterprise in the city. We are confident that this is a profitable energy solution for its effective operation. This is a significant event for the company, for Karelia, and for “Gazprom Gazoraspredelenie Petrozavodsk”. We are sure that industrial development is an integral part of comprehensive development of our republic, and it is important for us that we make our contribution to this, - noted Sergey Petrushenkov, the Chief Engineer - First Deputy General Director of the AO “Gazprom Gazoraspredelenie Petrozavodsk”.
The Deputy General Director - Executive Director of the OOO “RK-Grand” Anna Gorkovenko emphasized that gasification will make it possible to modernize existing production processes.
- Of course, the gasification project of the “RK-Grand” enterprise will become an important support in production development and modernization . We have been waiting for the appearance of natural gas for more than ten years. The environmental component is of great importance. In the future, we will be able to abandon the fuel oil industry, make our employees' workplaces more technologically advanced and increase production by almost a third, - said Anna Gorkovenko.
Let us recall that earlier the start of gas supply to the Pitkyaranta District was given by the Head of Karelia Artur Parfenchikov. Natural gas was supplied to Pitkyaranta via a new pipeline 123 kilometers long.
- There is nothing more profitable and cost-effective for both producers and residents than the use of natural gas, - emphasized Artur Parfenchikov.
