Results of the panel discussion «LNG – Modern Driver for the Growth of Russia's New Energy Sector and Regional Development»
At the Kazan Expo International Exhibition Center, as part of the Tatarstan Petrochemical Forum — 2025 and the Kazan Oil, Gas & Chemistry International Petrochemical Exhibition, a panel discussion titled "LNG — Modern Driver for the Growth of Russia’s New Energy Sector and Regional Development" was held. The session was moderated by Pavel Sarafannikov, President and Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Liquefied Natural Gas.
In his opening statement, he emphasized that LNG today is not only an export resource but also a strategic tool for the development of regional energy, industry, and transportation. According to him, the domestic LNG market is becoming one of the key directions of Russia’s new energy policy, opening opportunities for energy supply to remote territories, small enterprises, and social infrastructure.
The discussion featured leading representatives from the industry, engineering companies, and technology developers:
Tigran Ivanov — Development Director, Gazodizel LLC.
Ivan Kholmogorov — Commercial Director for Power Generation Products, GAZ Group
Ilya Mukhin — Deputy General Director, PEGAZ Research and Design Institute
Alexey Petrukhin — Commercial Director, Isotermik Scientific and Production Association JSC
Sergey Tarasov — Director, Kriotechnica LLC
Ivan Timonin — Project Manager, Implementa LLC
Anna Fedoseeva — Product Director, Simpl Group LLC
Marat Khusainov — Executive Director, Union of Gas-Engine Industry Enterprises
In his speech, Ivan Timonin, Project Manager at Implementa LLC, analyzed the current state and trends of the global LNG market.
He noted that competition among exporters is intensifying, while Russia retains significant opportunities to increase supplies to friendly countries and strengthen its position in emerging Asian markets. The speaker emphasized that diversifying export destinations and developing logistical routes are becoming key factors for the industry’s resilience.
Ilya Mukhin, Deputy General Director of PEGAZ Research and Design Institute introduced a range of small-tonnage LNG production units with capacities of up to 20 tons per hour. According to him, such solutions enable the creation of flexible, autonomous fuel sources for industrial and municipal applications, reducing dependence on trunk pipelines and ensuring regional energy independence.
Alexey Petrukhin, Commercial Director of Isotermik Scientific and Production Association JSC, discussed the company’s developments in small-scale LNG storage facilities, highlighting that local storage systems are an essential element of infrastructure that guarantees uninterrupted supply to regional consumers and reduces transportation costs.
Sergey Tarasov, Director of Kriotechnica LLC, presented domestic solutions for the storage and transportation of liquefied natural gas. He noted that power generation using LNG is 30−50% cheaper than using diesel, which is especially important for remote regions. The speaker also stressed the importance of developing Russian production of cryogenic equipment to strengthen the country’s technological sovereignty.
Anna Fedoseeva, Product Director of Simpl Group LLC, delivered a report on new approaches to managing in-house LNG power generation, emphasizing that digital platforms and intelligent control systems enable enterprises to optimize energy consumption, reduce their carbon footprint, and increase economic efficiency.
Ivan Kholmogorov, Commercial Director for Power Generation Products at GAZ Group, shared the company’s experience in developing LNG-based electric power generation for industrial enterprises. He highlighted that new-generation gas power units ensure high reliability, cost-effectiveness, and environmental safety, making them an optimal solution for small and medium-sized businesses as well as for remote regions.
Marat Khusainov, Executive Director at Union of Gas-Engine Industry Enterprises, discussed the current state of the Russian gas-engine market, emphasizing that demand for LNG is expected to grow in the transportation sector in the coming years. He pointed out that infrastructure is developing rapidly: filling stations are being built, new service networks are emerging, and programs are underway to incentivize the transition of vehicle fleets to natural gas.
Tigran Ivanov, Development Director, Gazodizel LLC, spoke about the prospects of remotorization of freight transport—replacing internal combustion engines with gas-powered ones. According to him, this process could become a key driver for increasing domestic LNG consumption, reducing emissions, and lowering transportation costs.
In conclusion, participants noted that LNG is becoming one of the strategic directions for the development of Russian energy. Its small-tonnage segment has the potential to significantly boost regional economies. Modern technologies, digitalization of processes, and government support create favorable conditions for establishing a sustainable domestic LNG market, which in turn fosters energy security and enhances the country’s industrial potential.