Russia gains clout in Asia with energy deal

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Updated February 20, 2009 12:39:00

A 22 billion dollar Pacific natural gas project will soon allow Russia to realise its long held ambition of extending its reach into Asia's energy markets.

The plant was opened on Wednesday by Russian President Dmitry Medvedev and Japanese prime minister Taro Aso. Almost two thirds of the plant's output will go to Japan, and the deal could signal a new era of warmer ties between the two countries. But Russia's controversial role in the project's history still angers some in the oil and gas industry.

Presenter: Joanna McCarthy
Speakers: Dr Fereidun Fesheraki, chairman of oil and gas global consultancy FACTS Global Energy; Dr Kirill Nourzhanov, Senior Lecturer, Australian National University

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