Kamchatka is actively developing infrastructure for gas-powered transport. According to the Regional Center for Energy Development and Energy Conservation, the construction of the second automotive gas filling compressor station (CNG station) is in full swing in the region. This project, implemented by a private investor, is important for expanding the use of environmentally friendly and economical fuels in the region.
The new CNG station will be located on the 26th kilometer of the A-401 federal highway connecting Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky seaport with Yelizovo Airport. This location was not chosen by chance: the A-401 highway is one of the busiest highways in the region, providing a link between key transport hubs. It is expected that the facility will be put into operation this year, which will be a significant step in the development of Kamchatka’s gas filling network.
The Regional Center for Energy Development and Energy Conservation notes that the construction of the second station will significantly expand the geography of the use of gas-powered vehicles and will give an additional impetus to the development of this industry in the region. It is important to note that part of the construction costs of the plant will be offset by a subsidy from the federal budget in the amount of 34 million rubles provided under an agreement with the Russian Ministry of Energy. This indicates the support of the project at the federal level and recognition of its importance for the development of the country’s gas engine infrastructure.
The Regional Center also reports that at the moment the fleet of gas cars on the peninsula has more than 500 units of equipment. Owners of such cars enjoy various support measures, including fuel discounts. In particular, discounts in the amount of 32 to 172 thousand rubles are provided for the conversion of vehicles for the use of natural gas, depending on the type of car and engine power. These costs are subsequently compensated from the budgets of the federal and regional levels to organizations engaged in retrofitting. In addition, owners of cars using natural gas are completely exempt from paying vehicle tax.
Support for the transition to gas-powered fuels will continue in 2025. It is planned to convert about 100 cars, for which 6.5 million rubles will be allocated. This measure is aimed at encouraging car owners to use a more environmentally friendly and economical type of fuel, which ultimately contributes to improving the environmental situation in the region and reducing transportation costs.
Additional investor support measures are provided to stimulate the construction of new CNG stations in the region. The Regional Center for Energy Development and Energy Conservation explains that investors planning to build natural gas refueling facilities with investments of at least 50 million rubles can receive land plots for the construction of gas stations without bidding. This greatly simplifies the implementation of projects and makes them more attractive to businesses.