In response to a record-breaking daily natural gas consumption of 27.5 million cubic meters in Dagestan, the regional Ministry of Energy has mandated that greenhouse operators temporarily switch to alternative fuel sources. This measure aims to alleviate gas supply disruptions affecting residents in several districts, including Makhachkala, Khasavyurtovsky, Kizilyurtovsky, Kayakentsky, Levashinsky, and Buynaksky.
During a meeting led by Minister of Energy and Tariffs, Marat Shikhaliyev, it was highlighted that while infrastructure projects are underway to enhance gas supply—such as the construction of a 22-kilometer gas pipeline loop from the Miatli gas distribution station to the village of Pyatiletka—immediate actions are necessary. The decision for greenhouses to utilize reserve fuels has already yielded positive results, freeing up gas volumes to ensure uninterrupted supply to affected communities, notably the village of Gerga.
Dagestan’s agricultural sector is a significant consumer of natural gas, with greenhouses producing approximately 75,000 tons of vegetables annually, including substantial quantities of tomatoes.
The shift to alternative fuels is expected to maintain this production level while addressing the current energy challenges.
This situation underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources within the agricultural industry to enhance resilience against supply fluctuations. Implementing alternative energy solutions, such as biomass, solar, or other renewable resources, could offer sustainable options for greenhouse operations, reducing dependency on natural gas and contributing to energy security.
Dagestan’s proactive approach in transitioning greenhouse operations to alternative fuels amidst peak gas consumption serves as a critical step in stabilizing energy supply for both agricultural producers and residents. This strategy not only addresses immediate shortages but also paves the way for more sustainable energy practices in the region’s agricultural sector.
