Russia to explore Crimean shelf for large gas deposits

A comprehensive study will be conducted off the Crimean coast where large gas fields could be located, the head of the Russian Academy of Sciences Aleksandr Sergeyev has said.

"We want to raise the issue of developing the Crimean shelf. The studies that were conducted earlier and those that are currently underway show there could be quite significant gas reserves,” he told RIA Novosti.

Sergeyev, who’s currently on a three-day working visit to the peninsula, plans to meet with representatives of the Crimean oil and gas producing company Chernomorneftegaz.

“We are offering to conduct a comprehensive study that includes seismic testing and diagnostics using advanced technology in order to determine the most probable gas-bearing areas on the shelf,” he added.

According to the official, specialists from the Russian Academy of Sciences who have arrived in Crimea have no doubts that there are gas fields on the shelf.

Sergeyev explained that at the moment the scientists and Chernomorneftegaz are discussing how to conduct the work in a proper way. He added the project has the full support of the Crimean authorities.

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