With the discovery of oil fields in Siberia growing in size and frequency countries, like China are anxiously waiting to be the among the first to benefit from these new natural resources.  Other parts of the world and other corporations such as Triple Diamond Energy Corp. have also watched these discoveries with interest because the introduction of a new large source of natural resources can affect the entire oil-consuming world. 

China’s Insatiable Appetite for Oil

China has the most to gain from Russia’s explorations in Siberia. China is Russia’s largest neighbor and currently has a huge population that demands enormous amounts of petroleum to maintain their current standard of living.  China has been trying to convince the leaders of Russia to export nearly all of the excess petroleum discovered in Siberia to the southeast via a pipeline to distribute Siberian oil to China’s oil dependent populace. China’s position is that it would be in Russia’s best interest to focus on supplying such a large consumer base.

Debate Over the Siberian Pipeline

The construction of the proposed pipeline has not been without its problems.  The route that has been proposed has met opposition by both environmentalists and scientists.  The proposed route would require the pipeline to be created near several protected and sensitive areas. 

For example, the shortest and most direct route would require pipe to be placed within 800 meters of the shores of the worlds largest and deepest fresh water lake.  This lake contains nearly 20% of the worlds unfrozen supply of fresh water. Governments around the world have recognized that this supply of water must be protected and preserved at all costs. The water supply here gives scientists a unique opportunity to study an ecosystem that is extremely valuable in the field of evolutionary science.

Commencement of the Siberian Pipeline

Regardless of opposition, the initial stages of the pipeline have been scheduled. Many hope that during this first stage a solution can be made that will allow the pipeline to be completed without going near the lake.  Environmentalists have requested that the pipeline be taken far north of the lake but those supporting the pipeline feel that an indirect route will severely inhibit the profit potential of the pipeline. In order to appease all factions, the Russian President suggested moving the route 400 kilometers north in order to protect the ecosystem while providing China with the petroleum it desperately needs.

Oil companies around the world like Triple Diamond Energy Corp. continue to monitor the developments of the debate.  While we understand the need for oil to keep our societies thriving, we also understand the importance of protecting important ecosystems.