Innovative use of helium Does Russia need to produce helium?
Transcription
Innovative use of helium Does Russia need to produce helium?
Innovative use of helium Does Russia need to produce helium? Contents Introduction 1 Helium as a strategic resource 2 International experience, in terms of the USA 4 Helium reserves and production facilities in Russia 7 Prospects for the development of Russia’s helium market 11 Conclusion 14 How Ernst & Young can help your business 16 Contacts 17 Introduction As science and technology develop, we will see new, highly effective technologies making use of helium as a raw material. Interest in this resource should grow considerably as a result. Even today, there is a steady trend on the world market toward growth in helium consumption. Helium’s unique properties include chemical inertness, high thermal conductivity, a low liquefaction point, nontoxicity and low nuclear reactivity. Thanks to these and a range of other valuable properties, helium is increasingly being used in astronautics, aviation, medicine, shipbuilding, chemical production, metallurgy, the nuclear industry, cryogenic systems and in many other areas. Russia has substantial reserves of helium-containing natural gas, most of which are concentrated in Eastern Siberia. No companies have, as yet, undertaken 1 full-scale development of these gas fields, and thus, the key task today is to determine the viability of recovering these helium reserves. As a result, there is a new emphasis today on the prospects for developing the oil and gas resources of Eastern Siberia with a view to promoting Russian hydrocarbons on markets in the Asia-Pacific region (APR). According to Russia’s energy strategy,1 this is a strategic region for Russia, with substantial undeveloped hydrocarbon reserves, including those containing helium. Comprehensive development of the resources in this region, as well as access to the energy markets of APR countries, may be used to strengthen Russia’s position in the region. Growing demand for fuel and energy resources in the eastern regions of the country may also become a powerful instrument of the state’s foreign and domestic policy. It is now a good time for Russia to establish a legislative framework so that an optimal infrastructure can be created to preserve this important resource for future generations. This study is an attempt to assess the applicability of foreign experience in this area, taking the US as an example. Since the middle of the last century, industry development has been shaped more by the international political situation than by economic factors. Russia’s Energy Strategy through 2030, approved by Regulation No. 1715-r of the Government of the Russian Federation, 13 November 2009. Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? 1 Helium as a strategic resource Properties Helium is a nonrenewable resource. In its natural conditions on Earth, this monatomic gas is completely inert, meaning that it tends to remain in a state of uniform motion or rest as long as forces acting on it are absent or in equilibrium. Helium’s boiling point of –268.9°C is substantially lower than that of other known elements. In geological terms, helium’s most important properties, in addition to chemical inertness, are its lightness, weak adsorption capacity, low solubility in formation water, high diffusion capacity and permeability. Though widespread on the planet, helium is extremely dissipated and doesn’t occur freely in either the atmosphere or the earth. No economically viable means are known of recovering helium from the atmosphere, due to helium’s high volatility and very low content in the earth’s gaseous mantle. Applicability This set of properties is the reason for helium’s unique behavior in natural conditions. Unlike other gases, this element moves easily within the Earth’s crust, escapes into the atmosphere along with hydrogen and then escapes from Earth’s gravitational field altogether. Helium reserves are thus nonrenewable, and there is no natural resource that can duplicate its properties. 2 2 Helium’s unique properties are widely employed in science, technology and production. Figure 1 shows the main areas in which helium is commonly used as a key element. According to the data from Air Products and Chemicals,2 superconductors and magnetic resonance imaging account for 28% of helium consumption, balloons and dirigibles for 16%, welding for 11%, optic fiber for 8%, leak detection for 12%, and semiconductors for 6%. Figure 1. Helium consumption 19% 28% 6% 8% 16% 11% 12% Superconductors (including MRT) Aerostatics (including dirigible constructions) Spill testing Welding Optical fiber Semiconductors Others Source: Air Products and Chemicals. It should be noted that, on the whole, the sectors responsible for increased helium demand are directly related to innovative technologies that play a strategically important role in scientific and technical progress. In many areas, helium is in demand for its ability to create an inert environment, which is essential in, for example, manufacturing and processing metals that oxidize easily. Metallic uranium, plutonium, titanium and many other elements may be obtained only in an inert environment. Helium is also used to remove dissolved gases from alloys in order to obtain especially pure and tenacious castings, while other inert gases tend to dissolve in alloys. Liquid helium is widespread in medicine — for example, in such unique devices as magnetic resonance imaging machines, which scan internal organs as a form of diagnosis. Helium is also widely used in producing superconductors and highspeed computer technology. Significant helium consumption is involved in aerostatics. Today a number of Russian and international companies are trying to revive dirigible construction for longdistance delivery of bulky cargo. On the whole, this is a promising area but requires coordinated efforts to set up temporary facilities for helium refilling (and fueling). In the nuclear power industry, helium’s tolerance of various kinds of radiation and high thermal conductivity are especially attractive. The main environmental risk posed by nuclear reactors is that the core will overheat, potentially leading to a breach of containment and a discharge of radioactive materials. This threat may be minimized by effective cooling systems making use of helium’s unique properties of high thermal conductivity and radiation tolerance. Helium on the Rise: An Air Products Special Report, March 2008. Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? In transportation, helium plays a part in the creation of trains that travel on a “magnetic cushion” about 10 cm above the track at speeds of up to 500 km/hour. Such trains are used in Japan and China, for example — countries with the highest helium consumption after the US. Helium’s most science-driven application is in research programs involving charged high-energy particles (subatomic particles, ions). Modern accelerators are costly, large-scale complexes that even large countries can’t afford to build on their own. One example is the CERN Large Hadron Collider, which was built using helium from a plant in Russia’s Orenburg Region. Historically, the chief consumer of helium is the US (over 50%). Recently, however, with the rapid development of the semiconductor industry, helium consumption in APR countries has increased its share to 15% of the total (and continues to show growth potential). Europe is also among the major consumers of this unique raw material, representing around 25% of global consumption. The list of countries developing technologies that involve helium is also steadily growing. Increased demand is being shaped by such relatively new markets as China, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, India, the Scandinavian countries, Australia and New Zealand. According to various estimates, the demand for helium may reach 300 million cubic meters (mcm) by 2030. Means of extraction The chief industrial means of obtaining helium today is still extraction from natural gas (in which it is found as a component). Following the removal of carbon dioxide, natural gas is deep-cooled (to –185°C) and compressed, yielding liquid methane. Helium and nitrogen remain in a gaseous state. Helium remains gaseous throughout the process (and at the end). Modern methods of liquefaction produce helium that is 98% pure. Currently, one of the most promising means of recovering helium from natural gas involves the use of semipermeable membranes. Research has demonstrated that this method is theoretically feasible, though it has not been put into industrial use. It is also important to note that scientific work involved in developing and implementing innovative technologies can take years. This means that the slightest fluctuations in the market (due, for example, to an industrial accident in one region or another) may put a large-scale project at risk (even if the cost of helium is a negligible portion of total costs). Thus, as already noted, the creation of storage facilities permitting demand to be met in the event of emergencies is not only a sufficient but a necessary condition of any long-term program for the development of helium production. It should be noted that when natural gas is utilized at gas fields, there are concomitant losses of helium, so that preliminary extraction of all the helium in natural gas output may be the best solution. The total amount recovered may, however, exceed demand, and the surplus gas must then be pumped into underground storage (worked-out deposits) in the form of helium raw material (nitrogen-helium concentrate). Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? 3 International experience, in terms of the US The US has been the dominant player for a long time, controlling over 50% of the world helium market. The US has major reserves of high-quality helium raw material with a helium concentration of over 0.5%.3 Qatar and Algeria have only recently begun to develop their helium industry (after significant deposits were discovered in these countries as a result of geological exploration). Since the US has been concerned with the rational use and preservation of its unique resources for almost a century, it makes sense to look specifically at the US as an example of foreign experience in developing the industry. First, however, we need to establish several key factors, including the overall development level of infrastructure and historical data on helium extraction and consumption, as well as how the market is organized. According to the US Geological Survey (USGS),4 77 mcm of helium (with a concentration of 99.997% and higher) was produced in the US in 2010, worth an estimated USD730 million. The infrastructure of the US helium industry, as it has been developed historically, includes a 720-kilometer pipeline system as well as helium reserves in Cliffside, Texas. Nine companies are engaged in helium extraction from natural gas and crude helium (with a content of from 50% to 99%) production. Ten plants obtain a helium-nitrogen mixture and then produce highly refined helium. Only six production facilities are connected to the pipeline, allowing them to obtain and purify stored helium. Despite the considerable number of processing facilities that belong to private companies, the US helium market resembles an oligopoly. The six plants connected to the pipeline make up a unified system. Plants connected to the pipeline purchase crude helium from the reserve at a price established by the US Bureau of Land Management (BLM) (more on this below). Figure 2. Infrastructure of the US helium industry Wyoming Riley Ridge Area Fields Church Buttes Field Utah Colorado Moab Burlington Scott City Beautiful Mountain Field Reichel Field Bushton Satanta Kansas Lisbon Field Las Animas Fields Greenwood Field Hugoton Field Liberal Ute Dome Field Shiprock Field Keyes Field Gruver Panhandle Field Oklahoma Cliffside Field New Mexico Fain Amarillo Chillicothe Thalia Field Техаs Explanation City location BLM helium pipeline Helium gasfields Source: US Geological Survey Minerals Yearbook, 2009. 3 See V. P. Yakutseni, “The World’s Helium Raw Materials and Prospects for Developing the Helium Industry,” Oil & Gas Geology: Theory and Practice (electronic scientific journal), no. 2 (2009): 1-24, http://www.ngtp.ru/rub/3/15_2009.pdf (visited on 4 September 2011). 4 2009 Minerals Yearbook // Сайт USGS. URL: (http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/zeolites/myb1-2009-zeoli.pdf (дата обращения — 04.09.2011); Mineral Commodity Summaries 2011. Helium // Сайт USGS. URL: http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/helium/mcs-2011-heliu.pdf (дата обращения — 04.09.2011). 4 Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? The US helium industry has developed steadily since the 1920s, as illustrated by the pattern of helium production and consumption in Figure 3. The Federal Helium Reserve, operated by the US Bureau of Mines, was formed in 1960 under the Helium Act. For these purposes, the government allocated an area of 11,000 acres in Cliffside, adjacent to the Panhandle-Hugoton oil and gas field, located in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas. The Bureau of Mines extracted, refined and accumulated helium. In addition to its own production, the bureau also bought helium from private extraction companies under long-term contracts and pumped the raw material into the reserve storage facility. Companies, able to sell an unlimited quantity of helium to the government, made substantial investments in production infrastructure. When the reserve was formed, the optimal storage volume was set at 1.2 billion cubic meters (bcm).5 A total of USD1.4 billion in budget funds was spent on the project. Figure 3. US helium production and consumption mcm 150 120 Stock sale period Stock accumulation period 90 60 30 0 1955 1958 1961 1964 1967 1970 1973 1976 1979 1982 1985 1988 1991 1994 1997 2000 2003 2006 2009 Domestic consumption Production Source: US Geological Survey Minerals Yearbook 2009. In 1973, it became clear that there was neither money nor storage capacity to support such an aggressive program of helium acquisition. The reserves accumulated by that time were sufficient for a little over 50 years, assuming that consumption remained at the same level, but over the next 20 years, the rate of accumulation approximated the amounts taken out of the reserves. In 1996, the US Congress enacted the Helium Privatization Act, requiring BLM to cease refining operations in 1998 and dispose of all federal helium reserves by 1 January 2015. Under the act, refineries were to be privatized, and all remaining federal helium reserves in excess of 600 million cubic feet (16.6 mcm)6 were to be sold to private companies on a straight-line basis.7 5 See 2009 Minerals Yearbook, ibid. 6 See Helium Privatization Act of 1996, US Government Printing Office website, http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CRPT-104srpt302/pdf/CRPT-104srpt302.pdf, accessed 4 September 2011. 7 The annual cost of helium to be sold is determined by dividing the total amount of budget funds spent on maintaining storage by the expected volume of sales. Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? 5 However, one of the most successful elements of the 1996 initiative was the in-kind sale of crude helium to government and scientific institutions at prices substantially lower than market prices (Figure 4). The program’s goal was to support long-term scientific development that may last several years. Indeed, significant fluctuations in helium prices previously led to the suspension of a number of research programs: the cost of helium increased, and a major part of R&D budgets was spent to buy raw materials. To continue research, it was necessary to obtain new approvals of financing parameters and sources. In this initiative, sales of helium are arranged as follows.8 Helium refiners that sell helium to federal agencies and their contractors are required to buy an equivalent amount of crude helium from BLM at cost. This covers the cost of refining helium and supplying it to government and scientific institutions. Thus, in 2011, when it was decided to establish an open-market price of USD 2.7 per 1 cubic meter (USD75 per 1,000 cubic feet),9 US federal agencies could buy helium under the program at last year’s prices (USD2.3 per 1 cubic meter or USD64.75 per 1,000 cubic feet). Figure 4. Dynamics of helium prices established by BLM for open-market sales and natural gas prices USD/1,000 cubic meters USD/1cubic meter 350 3,0 300 2,5 250 2,0 200 1,5 150 1,0 100 0,5 50 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Natural gas (Henry Hub) 0,0 Helium (BLM prices for open-market sales) Source: US Bureau of Land Management. 8http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/get-cfr.cgi?TITLE=43&PART=3195&SECTION=12&YEAR= 1999&TYPE=PDF, accessed 4 September 2011. 9 6 US Bureau of Land Management. Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? Helium reserves and production facilities in Russia As a global leader of helium resources contained in natural gas deposits, Russia needs to take a more well-considered approach to the extraction and sale of helium as a nonrenewable resource used in scientific, innovative and high-tech developments. In the European regions of Russia, the helium content in natural gas deposits is negligible — from 0.05% to 0.06%.10 Gas deposits with a helium content from 0.1% to 0.25%11 in the western regions have been nearly depleted (in particular, this refers to Saratov Region and the Komi Republic). Meanwhile, gas deposits in Orenburg Region, where the helium content in natural gas is approximately 0.055%, continue to supply this valuable raw material to consumers not only in Russia but also abroad. Gas fields in Ciscaucasia, the Caspian Sea region, Western Siberia, the Russian Far East and the Arctic region have limited helium content (ranging from 0.008% to 0.025%12), thus making extraction of helium from these deposits economically unviable. Russia’s high-quality reserves of helium are concentrated in Eastern Siberia. The helium content in these gas fields ranges from 0.15% to 1.0%.13 According to the All-Russia Petroleum Research Exploration Institute (VNIGRI),14 Russia’s helium reserves in East Siberian gas fields are approximately 16 bcm, while estimated world reserves, excluding Russia, amount to 27 bcm. The main areas with a high concentration of helium are the Kovyktinskoye, Urubcheno Tokhomskoye, Sobinskoye, Chayandinskoye and Srednebotuobinskoye gas fields. At the moment, Russian companies that have obtained licenses for these gas fields are exploring the possibilities of developing the deposits to recover helium and other important gases (including ethane). Figure 5. Helium content in natural gas fields in Eastern Siberia Gas field Helium content (%) Kovyktinskoye 0,28 Chayandinskoye 0,50 It should be noted that full-scale development and production of helium will depend largely on such factors as the construction of comprehensive infrastructure (for gas transport, extraction of valuable fractions and the development of complex gas chemical production processes) and the level of demand for helium. In our forecast, we considered factors of uncertainty and based our estimates on a four-year period for gas extraction to reach full capacity. According to our estimates, the level of annual natural gas production in Eastern Siberia will be 2.5% to 4% of the region’s total gas reserves. Urubcheno Tokhomskoye 0,18 Srednebotuobinskoye 0.20-0.60 Sobinskoye 0,60 Source: Gas industry in Russia (3rd quarter, 2006). Using open publications and data on field reserves, commercial-production starting dates and the helium content of gas, we estimated the natural gas production levels for these gas fields. These estimates allowed us to evaluate the prospects for helium production on Eastern Siberia’s gas fields. 10 See V. P. Yakutseni, “The World’s Helium Raw Materials and Prospects for Developing the Helium Industry,” Oil & Gas Geology: Theory and Practice (electronic scientific journal), no. 2 (2009): 1-24, http://www.ngtp.ru/rub/3/15_2009.pdf (visited on 4 September 2011). 11Ibid. 12Ibid. 13 See Russia’s Energy Strategy through 2030, “VI. Prospects and strategic initiatives for development of the fuel and energy sector,” Ministry of Energy of the Russian Federation website. URL: http://minenergo.gov.ru/activity/energostrategy/ch_6.php?sphrase_id=123586. 14 See V. P. Yakutseni, “The World’s Helium Raw Materials and Prospects for Developing the Helium Industry,” Oil & Gas Geology: Theory and Practice (electronic scientific journal), no. 2 (2009): 1-24, http://www.ngtp.ru/rub/3/15_2009.pdf. Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? 7 Figure 6 demonstrates that in the scenario of large-scale development of these gas fields, natural gas production in Eastern Siberia may vary from 0 bcm to 40 bcm in 2020, and from 80 bcm to 110 bcm in 2030. These impressive figures are the result of substantial gas reserves. Figure 7 shows our projections of helium production in Eastern Siberia, based on a number of the factors mentioned, including infrastructure development. Russia’s helium production may be comparable to current production in the US by 2022–25. However, it should be noted that Russia currently accounts for approximately 3.6% of global helium production (including production in Orenburg Region and exports to Europe).15 Figure 6. Forecast of natural gas production in Eastern Siberia bcm 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2027 2028 2029 2030 Source: Ernst & Young estimates. Figure 7. Forecast of helium production in Eastern Siberia (the largest helium-containing fields) mcm 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Source: Ernst & Young estimates. 15 See Mineral Commodity Summaries 2011, op. cit. 8 Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? 9 Will the high demand for this raw material continue? What actions will be taken by such competitors as Qatar and Algeria? Can Russia afford to create a helium storage system as in the US? How much will it cost to continually purchase and store helium? Will the demand for helium in Russia grow? 10 Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? Prospects for the development of Russia’s helium market The above information may give rise to doubts about the development of the Russian helium market. Will the high demand for this raw material continue? What actions will be taken by such competitors as Qatar and Algeria? Can Russia afford to create a helium storage system as in the US? How much will it cost to continually purchase and store helium? Will the demand for helium in Russia grow? Let us try to answer these questions, at least in part. Primarily it seems that the level of demand is the most important issue on the list. According to the US Geological Survey, in 2010, the global production of helium was 150 mcm16 — lower than in 2008 and 2009 (175 mcm and 170 mcm, respectively17). Such dynamics are explained by the global downturn. Forecasts of the global helium market differ, as the estimates of specialists vary widely. According to experts, one of the main drivers of global demand is the market situation in APR countries, which are generating increased demand. It should be appreciated that helium price escalation will induce optimization, rationalization and modernization of technologies, allowing reduced consumption of this valuable raw material. Based on these assumptions, we estimate that annual growth in demand will be in the range of 2% to 4% (Figure 8). The analysis of competitor countries in the global market shows that the United States is facing a decline in production, while Qatar and Algeria are considering a number of projects that may be implemented between 2015 and 2020. Figure 8. Global helium demand mcm 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Source: Ernst & Young estimates. 16Ibid. 17 See Mineral Commodity Summaries 2010, Helium, USGS website, http://minerals.usgs.gov/minerals/pubs/commodity/helium/mcs-2010-heliu.pdf. Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? 11 All global market players should take into account the probability of overproduction, which may lead to a significant decline in revenues for companies operating in this segment. We estimated the required helium production capacity, excluding the influence of Russia’s production and supplies from US reserves. One can clearly see the following trends: until 2016–20, the global demand will outstrip production, and market prices and supply will thus be influenced by sales of helium from US reserves (Figure 9). Subsequent years may see the implementation of a number of large-scale projects, but the market may still need to draw on US reserves. Our estimates show that if the respective projects in Russia, Qatar and Algeria are delayed, the US government will probably have to raise its minimum requirements for helium stock to 100 mcm–200 mcm. The Figure 10 demonstrates that, in this scenario, supplies of helium from US reserves will be discontinued in 2016–17. Without such a decision, helium reserves will effectively be depleted in 2019–20. Figure 9. Global supply and demand of helium (excluding Russian production and supplies from US reserves) mcm 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 Helium demand range Helium production range 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Source: Ernst & Young estimates. Figure 10. Demand for helium from US reserves mcm 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 Minimum demand (extraction from the US reserves) Maximum demand (100 mcm limit) Maximum demand (200 mcm limit) Maximum demand (limit established by law) 2019 2020 Source: Ernst & Young estimates. fields without launching large-scale production. But there is still the probability that other helium-producing countries will be quicker in taking a share of the market Maximum demand, cessation of supplies from US reserves and a delay in new projects may lead to a deficit of helium and rising helium prices in 2016–18. To reduce risks (including the risk of overproduction), the most rational approach for Russia would be to start extracting helium from one or two gas 12 Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? The gap between supply and demand will probably narrow but will still be significant and will become a financial burden for an institution (a company or the government) that accumulates helium for which there is no demand. and that demand will grow slowly. In this case (Figure 11) there may not be any demand for Eastern Siberian helium. In a scenario of maximum demand and delays in helium production in other countries, the level of demand may reach 80 mcm in 2020 (or twice the forecasted production) and 170 mcm in 2030, which would be insufficient to absorb the helium produced in 2030. Figure 11. Extraction of helium in Eastern Siberia and helium demand mcm 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2015 Production 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 Demand Source: Ernst & Young estimates. Thus, we may draw some conclusions. First, it seems unreasonable to produce helium on all fields. Second, there is clearly a market niche which Russia can occupy in the foreseeable future, if an investment decision is made today. In addition, project development should be supported with incentive programs for helium consumption in Russia to avoid the risk of overproduction. Third, construction of a storage reservoir for helium extracted at all gas fields in Eastern Siberia will require an investment of USD1 billion– USD2 billion to purchase helium in 2030, and these funds would probably be frozen for a long period. What is the outlook for the helium industry beyond 2030? The gap between supply and demand will probably narrow but will still be significant and will become a financial burden for an institution (a company or the government) that accumulates helium for which there is no demand. Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? 13 Conclusion To sum up, we will identify measures that would be reasonable to implement in developing natural gas resources in Eastern Siberia without losing their unique helium component. It is important to note that development of the Russian helium industry depends largely on the economic appeal of this market niche. This will require a consideration of all possible economic factors, including state support and the development of demand on the part of domestic consumers (the main consumers, as mentioned earlier, are high-tech industries to be developed). Primarily, the development of regulations on helium extraction, production and distribution is needed. In addition, it is time to devise a strategy for developing and protecting gas and helium resources, clearly defining the role and place of the state, private Russian and foreign business, the forms of their interaction and partnership and the regulatory framework for measures to rationally utilize and maintain helium reserves. 14 Model analysis demonstrated that it would be more economical to concentrate on one or two gas fields where helium will be extracted. It is noteworthy that gas liquefaction appears to be the most economically feasible method for the helium extraction, as membrane technology is still being developed. This issue is closely related to the identification of gas monetization methods by developing pipeline export of gas or constructing an onshore LNG plant. But that brings up a question: where, and at what distance from the coast, should a suitable reservoir for the extracted helium be located? If there is no worked-out deposit to be used as a storage facility, helium will have to be extracted on-site, and this is less economical (but more effective in the event of overproduction). It is also important to note that during pipeline transport, some gas will be lost at compressor stations. This means that, in absolute terms, fewer valuable components (including helium) will be received at the terminal point, and gas supplies will likely be the top priority. If an economically attractive method of helium extraction is not developed (or the method of natural gas sale does not allow for large-scale extraction of helium), it would be wise to abandon the idea of such production. The most acceptable way may be to initially develop several gas fields in Eastern Siberia without extracting helium. Thus, given the strategic importance of helium, we believe it is now time to undertake a program for the comprehensive development of gas fields in Eastern Siberia and to identify those fields where helium extraction will involve a license agreement or other arrangements. Needless to say, the current high level of uncertainty with respect to demand for natural gas (meaning uncertain prospects for gas field development) seriously undermines accurate forecasting. However, there are decision-making tools that take these uncertainties into account. Recent developments in stochastic modeling may be applied to protect businesses and the state from potential financial losses involved in making decisions that will shape development for many years to come. It appears reasonable to create a competitive market environment in the sector to ensure improved production efficiency, cost savings and conditions for cost-effective satisfaction of consumer demand. One of the main instruments for this involves lowering the barriers to market entry for operators processing raw material. Above all, they need access to helium-containing raw material. If there is a single monopolistic processing company, it would be reasonable to restrict its ability to sell finished products in the market and make it responsible for processing raw materials of third parties in order to extend the list of finished-product sellers. Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? Given the strategic importance of helium, we believe it is now time to undertake a program for the comprehensive development of gas fields in Eastern Siberia and to identify those fields where helium extraction will involve a license agreement or other arrangements. While developing the sector’s legislative framework, it would be worthwhile to assess the US practice of crude helium sales to government and scientific institutions at prices significantly below market prices, since the development of new technological solutions and individual areas of science is closely related to the high volatility of the global helium market (mainly due to potential technological problems at plants in helium-producing countries). It would be unwise to fix prices for these consumers for a long period. These steps may well lead to the accelerated development of gas fields as well as rising employment and budget revenues. Additionally, as a helium producer, Russia will be able to actively develop high-tech industries. Without the need to import helium, the cost of this strategic raw material supply will be lower, and costs will be reduced even further for research institutions and innovative enterprises. 15 How Ernst & Young can help your business Ernst & Young is a global leader in professional services with broad crossindustry experience. Worldwide, our 152,000 people seamlessly combine a truly global approach with local expertise and a deep understanding of our clients’ businesses. Our Global Oil & Gas practice consists of a network of more than 9,000 professionals with extensive experience working in the oil and gas industry. Our Global Oil & Gas Center is a hub of professionals with significant experience delivering assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services and a deep industry expertise. We serve a wide range of companies — independent exploration and production companies, oilfield services companies, independent refiners, major integrated corporations and national oil companies. 16 Our Global Oil & Gas Centers, like the professionals in our Global Oil & Gas practice, are strategically located, helping us to best meet the needs of the oil and gas industry by providing high-quality services in the right place and at the right time. In addition to our Houston, London, Moscow and Bahrain Centers, we have several Satellite Centers located around the globe, including in Aberdeen, Calgary, Cape Town, Beijing, Perth, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore and Stavanger. Our clients’ needs are our primary focus — we seek to ensure their continuous growth and improve their profitability and competitive advantage. We will help you develop, maintain and analyze your business model to ensure that you are in a position to make strategic decisions in the future. However complex your challenges, we share information with you on emerging trends and regulations to help you move forward in your business. Given the economic uncertainty faced by Russia’s helium industry, potential developers need to analyze the industry’s growth strategy and principles in greater detail. We can help companies that plan to produce helium validate the strategies they choose to pursue and evaluate potential returns. Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? Contacts Dale Nijoka Global Oil & Gas Leader Igor Boldyrev CIS Advisory Leader Oleg Svetleuschyi Ukraine Oil & Gas Leader Tel.: +1 713 750 1551 [email protected] Tel.: +7 (495) 705 9742 [email protected] Tel.: + 380 (44) 490 3031 [email protected] Alexey Loza CIS Oil & Gas Leader Victor Borodin CIS Oil & Gas Tax Leader Tel.: +7 (495) 641 2945 [email protected] Tel.: +7 (495) 755 9760 [email protected] Paul Cohn Central Asia and Caucasus Oil & Gas Leader Alexey Kondrashov Global Oil & Gas Tax Leader Grigory Arutunyan Partner, Oil & Gas Advisory Tel.: +7 (495) 662 9394 [email protected] Tel.: +7 (495) 641 2941 [email protected] Tel.: +7 (727) 259 8311 [email protected] Innovative use of helium. Does Russia need to produce helium? 17 Ernst & Young Assurance | Tax | Transactions | Advisory About Ernst & Young Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. Worldwide, our 152,000 people are united by our shared values and an unwavering commitment to quality. We make a difference by helping our people, our clients and our wider communities achieve their potential. Ernst & Young refers to the global organization of member firms of Ernst & Young Global Limited, each of which is a separate legal entity. Ernst & Young Global Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, does not provide services to clients. For more information about our organization, please visit www.ey.com. How Ernst & Young’s Global Oil & Gas Center can help your business The oil and gas industry is constantly changing. Increasingly uncertain energy policies, geopolitical complexities, cost management and climate change all present significant challenges. Ernst & Young’s Global Oil & Gas Center supports a global practice of over 9,000 oil and gas professionals with technical experience in providing assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services across the upstream, midstream, downstream and oilfield service sub-sectors. The Center works to anticipate market trends, execute the mobility of our global resources and articulate points of view on relevant key industry issues. With our deep industry focus, we can help your organization drive down costs and compete more effectively to achieve its potential. © 2012 EYGM Limited. All Rights Reserved. EYG no. DW0173 This publication contains information in summary form and is therefore intended for general guidance only. It is not intended to be a substitute for detailed research or the exercise of professional judgment. Neither EYGM Limited nor any other member of the global Ernst & Young organization can accept any responsibility for loss occasioned to any person acting or refraining from action as a result of any material in this publication. On any specific matter, reference should be made to the appropriate advisor.