How a $5 billion ‘Gas Ring’ could strengthen Central Asia’s energy security

The Central Asia Gas Ring is a proposed network of pipelines spanning over 3,000 kilometres that would connect Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The initiative, which is currently in the proposal stage, aims to enhance the energy security of the region by enabling more flexible gas flows and providing additional supply options.

According to Kazakh energy expert Askar Ismailov, the project could cost around $5 billion, with $2 billion allocated for new construction and $3 billion for modernisation and digitalisation. The network would have a capacity of approximately 20 billion cubic metres of gas annually. The proposal reflects the varying gas resources, infrastructure, and demand across the five Central Asian countries, with Turkmenistan having substantial reserves and Uzbekistan being both a major producer and consumer.

Uzbekistan is also exploring domestic production to complement the regional connection. While no final financing structure, agreements among governments, or construction timetable have been announced, the project is seen as a potentially significant step towards strengthening energy security in Central Asia.

Brief written by urgent.news from Euronews's own syndicated text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.