Gazprom launched Bovanenkovo field on the Yamal Peninsula in the Arctic with estimated reserves of 4.9 trillion cubic metres.
So this is where the European gas will be coming from - spectacular map of Gazprom gas pipelines. Picture: Gazprom
The Bovanenkovo field opening ceremony was overseen by President Vladimir Putin by a video link-up from his official residence near Moscow.
The Arctic field has estimated reserves of 4.9 trillion cubic metres, with the gas destined for Europe.
In 2013, it is expected to produce 46 billion cubic metres of gas, rising to 115 bcm by 2017 and eventually to 140 bcm, said Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller.
Reports say that Yamal will account for around a quarter of Gazprom's output by 2020.
The company is constructing a 2,450 km Bovanenkovo-Ukhta pipeline to transport gas to the Unified Gas Supply System.
Putin called for a switch in long-term energy policy to supply China's needs.
He also called for a closer look at shale gas.
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