U.S. sanctions fail as China delivers key power plant to Russia’s Arctic LNG project

By Elías Thorsson November 5, 2024
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Russian President Vladimir Putin launches the first natural gas liquefaction line on a gravity-type base for the Arctic LNG-2 project as he visits the Novatek-Murmansk’s Offshore Superfacility Construction Center in the village of Belokamenka, Murmansk region, Russia July 20, 2023. Sputnik/Alexander Kazakov/Kremlin via REUTERS/File Photo

Despite targeted U.S. sanctions aimed at stalling Russia’s Arctic LNG-2 project, China successfully delivered a crucial power plant, enabling the next phase of Russia’s Arctic energy expansion, reports gCaptain. This development underscores the limitations of U.S. sanctions in isolating Russian energy projects, especially as China steps in to fill critical supply gaps. The power plant’s arrival reflects a deepening Sino-Russian collaboration, signaling China’s willingness to support Russian infrastructure even under heightened geopolitical pressure.

  • A 650 MW Chinese-built power plant arrived in Russia’s Arctic, bypassing U.S. sanctions intended to halt Russian LNG progress.
  • The delivery, made by two Chinese heavy-lift vessels escorted by a Russian icebreaker, enables the second production line at Arctic LNG 2 to proceed.
  • The power plant replaces American-made turbines previously blocked by sanctions, reflecting an adaptation to restrictions through Chinese technology.
  • Two additional power units remain in China for future delivery, with further shipments contingent on political and logistical developments.
  • This delivery underscores a potential shift in Chinese confidence to support Russian projects despite U.S. sanctions.