Gazprom's New Waste-to-Fuel System Boosts Energy Efficiency in Yakutia
Gazprom Dobycha Noyabrsk LLC has introduced a new method to improve energy efficiency at its operations. The company, which manages 23 licensed sites across four Russian regions, has patented a system that repurposes gas waste as fuel. This innovation supports resource conservation while boosting the quality of natural gas supplies. The project focuses on the Chayandinskoye oil, gas, and condensate field in Yakutia—a key part of Gazprom’s Eastern Gas Program. The field’s natural gas contains inert gases, including helium and nitrogen, which reduce its overall energy value.
To address this, the company uses membrane separation technology to extract helium. The remaining gas, called retentate, has a low calorific value but retains over 85% methane. Instead of discarding it, the retentate is now redirected as fuel for gas compressor units. Two new tie-ins were installed to feed the retentate directly into the compressors. This approach cuts waste, lowers inert gas levels in the main pipeline, and increases the calorific value of the gas supplied to customers. With over 5,000 employees and headquarters in Noyabrsk, the company continues to expand its efficiency measures across major production sites.
The initiative reduces waste and improves the energy content of gas sent through pipelines. By using retentate as fuel, the company enhances operational efficiency while supporting broader sustainability goals. The patented system is now active at one of Gazprom’s most strategically important fields.
