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Gazprom's headquarters yesterday (July 2) hosted a meeting between Alexey Miller, Chairman of the Gazprom Management Committee and Han Fennema, CEO and Chairman of the Executive Board of Dutch firm Gasunie.

As part of the meeting, the parties signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the area of small-scale liquefied natural gas (LNG). The document stipulates the cooperation in the small-scale LNG market in Europe, with a focus on joint projects for the construction of LNG receiving terminals, LNG filling stations and other infrastructure facilities.

The parties also looked into the possibility of initiating a joint pilot project for constructing a small LNG receiving terminal in Northwest Europe. According to Gazprom, the terminal will be used for storing, shipping and selling LNG as a bunker and vehicle fuel as well as an energy source for autonomous gasification. In addition, the possibility of building LNG filling stations is also being contemplated within the project.

"Gazprom and Gasunie will be actively developing the small scale LNG business in Europe. Joint infrastructure projects will make it possible to diversify the supply routes as well as broaden the use of natural gas in European countries," said Alexey Miller.

"LNG has a clear role to play as a cleaner fuel alternative for maritime vessels, ferries, trucks and industrial applications throughout Europe. It supports European Union environmental priorities. It will help ship and truck owners to follow stringent European emission regulations," remarked Han Fennema.

During the meeting, matters of security of gas supply to the European market were also discussed. It was stipulated that cooperation in development of new gas infrastructure would help to secure a stable and affordable energy supply for Europe.

Gasunie is a European gas infrastructure company, whose network ranks among the largest high-pressure gas pipeline grids in Europe with a total annual gas throughput of approximately 125 billion cubic meters.

Gasunie's network consists of over 15,000 kilometres of pipeline in the Netherlands and northern Germany and approximately 1,300 gas receiving stations. The company also offers natural gas transportation services, as well as natural gas and LNG storage services.