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Energy expert, co-chairman of the Dartmouth Conference and successful entrepreneur
Yuri Shafranik was the boy who grew up in a small western Siberia settlement to become honoured and well known not only in his country but worldwide.
Today, this energy expert and co-chairman of the 60-year-old East-West alliance, the Dartmouth Conference, can look back on a lifetime of achievements including that of Minister of Energy in the early to mid-90s which followed his successful Governorship of Tyumen Oblast. He’s also well known for his successful entrepreneurial activities in the oil and gas industry.
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Global Energy Transition Will Continue But Expert Yuri Shafranik Says It Will Take Longer Than Expected
Global investment in the transition to renewable energy surged by over a quarter in 2021 compared with 2020, but according to energy expert Yuri Shafranik, it will take decades for a complete conversion to occur - and billions of dollars.
Yet despite all this money being poured into lowering carbon-based fuels, the mid-century milestone for complete transition, set as a target by some governments, is just “unrealistic.”
“Achieving an energy transition will require not only large additional investments but also significant transformations in the habits of our entire society,” said Yuri Shafranik.
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It’s not all about CO2, says Yuri Shafranik. It’s about the way we live, and where, that’s affecting climate issues
Russia does not just have to, but is obliged to, introduce and maintain a conscious line on energy issues, not simply participate in the discussion. That’s according to Yuri Shafranik, speaking in an interview following the 30th anniversary of the International Energy Forum (IEF).
The Forum is the world’s largest meeting on energy issues and is attended by representatives of countries that account for more than 90% of world production and purchases of oil and gas, as well as all key participants in the energy sector. Mr Shafranik was being asked questions on the IEF’s activities, goals and objectives.
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Yuri Shafranik - a man very much at the heart of a longstanding world peace initiative
The Dartmouth Conference has been described as an assembly of the greatest minds brought together for peace. Yuri Shafranik, a strong supporter of public diplomacy, has been deeply involved with Dartmouth for 20 years, initially as a Russian delegate himself and now the Conference’s co-chair.
The Conference recently celebrated its 60th anniversary, and each delegate over the years, in his or her way, has contributed to maintaining dialogue for peace by improving relations between the US and the former Soviet Union, now Russia - and all essentially on the q.t.
Yuri Shafranik was a leading light in the subsequent design and passing of the law on US-Russian production sharing, which in turn led to mutually beneficial global energy projects. Those at Sakhalin-1 and Sakhalin-2 oil and gas fields in Siberia, centred on a remote Pacific island corner close to Japan, are prime examples.
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IEF has to do more to promote climate change issues globally
It’s time for the International Energy Forum (IEF) to do more on the world stage in terms of bringing awareness to climate change and the diversification of future power sources, says Yuri Shafranik. With less than 20 years to go until a time when oil and gas won’t be the primary source of power in the world, many businesses, governments and consumers require more support and information to fully understand what that means - and indeed how it will affect them.
The IEF, in its 30th year, have all the facts and data at their fingertips, says Mr Shafranik, as it’s a respected global platform collating important information on the topic of energy. However, he thinks now it should start to do more in bringing greater awareness of climate change issues and renewable energy through closer interaction between worldwide producers and consumers.
He adds: “The need for the IEF’s approach to energy is increasingly important on a global scale. However, a closer synchronisation of information, wants and needs of energy producers and consumers is required, or the potential future energy crisis could come sooner or be more difficult to reverse.”
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'Russia has an urgent need, opportunity and potential to speak and submit its proposals on the future of energy' - Yuri Shafranik
The 30-year-old International Energy Forum (IEF) has played and continues to play its role as a premier, high-level organisation, but it could be taking a more significant, wider and more effective stance on global energy issues in the light of climate change and the shift towards green energy. That's according to Yuri Shafranik, energy expert and Chairman of the Supreme Mining Council and Chairman of the Union of Oil and Gas Producers of Russia. Mr Shafranik was discussing the IEF's activities, goals and objectives with International Affairs magazine columnist, Elizaveta Antonova.
On the subject of Russia's participation in the IEF, Shafranik says: "We have been there from the start - since the end of the Soviet Union, from 1991, when the Forum was first established and the first meetings were held. In 2014, we held such a meeting in Moscow. I believe that in comparison with other countries, Russia is quite active. However, it must be said that Russia has an urgent need, opportunity and potential to speak and submit its proposals on the future of energy - not in a narrow, one topic focused sense, but to address the global climate agenda comprehensively."
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Russia’s vast and diverse natural resources makes it well placed to lead the climate change agenda, says Yuri Shafranik
Russia’s geography covers a vast range of landscapes, from the frozen seas of the north to the sands of the Karakum Desert, providing an opportunity to lead the world in climate change research, according to energy expert Yuri Shafranik, chairman of the Union of Oil and Gas Producers of Russia.
“Our water, forests, even our ice allow us to interpret the effects of climate change differently and widely, and we must lead most of the world in our interpretations on the climate agenda,” explains Mr Shafranik, adding: “The International Energy Forum has done a lot in collecting general data, which is of great value. No one else has been collecting data like that. They collected materials from the atmosphere and were able to predict the CO2 calculation. But there are not only CO2 emissions - we also have a problem with many other types of harmful emissions, all of which should be considered.”
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US-Russia cybersecurity dialogue needed
There's an upbeat air about the forthcoming talks between the US and Russia in Geneva. According to the Dartmouth Dialog co-chair Yuri Shafranik, discussions on cybersecurity issues and improved bilateral relations should be high on the agenda when Presidents Putin and Biden meet to discuss future policies between the two superpowers.
Speaking to the Russian news agency, TASS, Yuri Shafranik commented: "Leaders of our countries could consider an opportunity of launching a dialogue between authorities and initiating consultations in the information and communication sphere or in the cyberspace sphere. I believe the meeting in terms of bilateral relations is highly important, irrespective of forecast results."
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Yuri Shafranik, Chairman of the Supreme Mining Council, who rebuilt the Federation’s coal industry, predicts its future importance to Russia and other nations
In the early 1990s, the then Fuel and Energy Minister, Yuri Shafranik, restructured the Federation’s coal industry after its ineffectiveness under the Soviet Union. He took some radical steps to bring the coal industry back on form, including the closure of hazardous and unprofitable pits, withdrawal of government subsidies, social care for laid-off workers and the introduction of new technology, not just to encourage new viable projects but to make them safe workplaces.
Russian coal industry is today fully efficient, profit-making and competitive. Private companies now account for 100 per cent of the total volume of coal mined in Russia. Russia entered foreign markets with higher quality and cheaper coals in greater quantities, with such a great modern track record in coal production, and it's not about to give up its share of the world coal market.
‘The World Still Needs Coal’ by historian and philosopher Fridrich Glasow
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https://www.eureporter.co/energy/2021/03/18/the-world-still-needs-coal/
Dartmouth's diamond anniversary, yet still fresh in diplomacy
The history of public diplomacy hardly knows a phenomenon more significant than the "Dartmouth Dialogue." The recent 60th anniversary of this non-governmental Russian-American movement proves that its foundations and activity were, and continue to remain, unique.
What makes the "Dartmouth Dialogue" so special has been its role of an informal channel of contact between the Soviet (later Russian) and US socio-political elites. It has often served as an important source of information affecting the decisions made by the leaders of the two countries.
The Dialogue's authority is determined not only by the nature of the problems it tackles but also by the unique makeup of its participants - ex-Cabinet ministers from various presidential administrations, high-ranking diplomats, prominent military, political and economic experts, scientists, medical doctors, filmmakers and journalists.
Over six decades, they have contributed to ending conflicts that undermine bilateral relations and efforts to ensure stability in the regions where Russia and the United States are present.
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https://en.interaffairs.ru/article/constructive-dialogue-between-unwilling-partners/
Oil prices set to escalate by the end of year, says energy expert Yuri Shafranik
Speaking to the press at MIA Russia Today in Moscow Yuri Shafranik, Chairman of the Union of Oil and Gas Producers of Russia, forecasted soaring oil prices just around the corner. He believes that these will reach $40 per barrel by the end of 2020, rising even higher to $50 by next year.
In his opinion, the recent drop in prices was the inevitable result of withdrawing from agreements with OPEC. The situation developed, according to Mr Shafranik, like the familiar Russian proverb: “Entrance is the ruble, the exit is 100 rubles.”
Yuri Shafranik said the revision of the deal was inevitable, adding: “The agreement has outlived itself and Russia received a certain effect from the agreement, but the players who were not included in the deal received greater benefits.” He exampled Canada and the USA in developing their capacities.
The energy expert continued: “Since 2012, the United States has gained tremendous benefits through the effect of shale oil and gas development - one can only envy that - but the Russian fuel and energy complex also received tremendous benefits. Benefits which have not existed since the old days of the USSR.
“But for now there is no need to fuss and show nervousness. Let’s see how the Americans and Saudi Arabia will react. We do not need to be the first ones - being second line in the line is good enough.”
Mr Shafranik called for domestic tax policies to be loosened and that there should not be any reduction of investments in the energy industry. He concluded: “We forecast that in the problematic situation that exists we will have to improve the tax system - and the earlier, the better. We don’t need to change the Constitution to do that. Simply, all small-sized, medium reserves and fields must be shifted to territory management. It happened in the 1990s but the process went over the top. Today, the government is very different and will correct all the excesses. Importantly though, it will also bring revival.”
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https://dbcmedia.co.uk/2020/06/24/yuri-shafranik-predicts-oil-prices-rise-by-the-end-of-the-year/
Russia faces struggles for its share in the global oil and gas market following supply sanctions and a glut of hydrocarbons resources
Russia continues to be a major player in the supply of hydrocarbons both to Europe and South-East Asia. Yet there are various hurdles to encounter in the near future, says Yuri Shafranik, chairman of the Union of Oil and Gas Producers of Russia, none the least will be rising prices and keen competition from the US and Saudi Arabia.
But there’s nothing new in that, of course, says the former Russian Energy Minister, who’s spent a lifetime in the oil and gas industry.
In an interview here with TOGY (The Oil & Gas Year) online magazine for the business, Yuri Shafranik recalls how his Union came together in the early 90s when he gathered representatives of the leading enterprises of his home area of Tyumen. This was to ensure coordination of efforts and work out the direction of development of Russian oil and gas producers. A time he describes as “extraordinary and extraordinarily difficult.”
Much has happened since placing Russia in the global oil and gas power stakes, but, like the other producers, there’s been much to contend with in recent times, from fragile and fluctuating market forces to the pandemic.
In early 2014, when prices began to fall, the struggle for market share intensified. The main producers - Russia and Saudi Arabia (and OPEC as a whole) - put out additional volumes of oil, trying to maintain their market shares. Two years later, it became apparent that OPEC alone was no longer able to stabilise prices. This happened only with the help of Russia, says Yuri Shafranik.
“Implementation of the existing OPEC+ agreement and co-operation are the key to stabilising the price level, and profitability is not the most critical factor today. Contrary to all the predictions about the upcoming peak in oil production, I have always said that there will be no shortage of its resources,” he adds.
“Today, we are seeing an oversupply of resources in the market. At the same time, there is a struggle not for the total supply, but for market share - primarily between Russia, Saudi Arabia and the United States.”
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https://theenergyyear.com/articles/new-milestones-in-russian-oil-and-gas/?cn-reloaded=1
The history of Siberia and the Urals
Siberia and the Urals may not exactly be on everyone’s bucket list destination. Perhaps it should be. This historic and unique part of Russia - which has produced many famous names from the field of arts, culture and science - has a special affection from oil and gas entrepreneur Yuri Shafranik. He was born and grew up there, in Tyumen Oblast in the Western Siberia region of Siberia.
Tobolsk is one of the oldest cities in the Urals and Siberia. It’s famous for its amazing architectural and historical monuments, above all the Tobolsk Kremlin. The wealth of unique landmarks has earned the city the title of one of the region’s premier tourist centres.
It was with the idea of breathing new life in the status of Tobolsk by involving not only local citizens but people both in and outside Russia, that the Tobolsk Revival Foundation was created 25 years ago. In 2013, the Foundation established, with help from the city authorities, a national prize and an eponymous medal bearing the name of Fyodor Konyukhov - “the Russian knight, enthusiast, writer, artist and pilgrim.” The annual award is for achievements in various areas of life and ‘for heroism, courage and fortitude.’ It was established to encourage locals to take an interest in fellow compatriots ‘whose ascetic work, talent and actions serve as an example of selfless service for the good of Russia.’
One of the most exciting new literary innovations of the Foundation is the Gospel of Dostoevsky. This took several years to prepare and involved many prominent experts on Fyodor Dostoyevsky’s literary heritage. It’s a facsimile edition of the 1823 Gospel that the wife of Decembrist Mikhail Fonvizin, Natalya Fonvizina, presented to Dostoevsky Tobolsk transit prison from 1849. Dostoevsky carefully preserved this book during his five years of incarceration and penal servitude, essentially his entire life, making notes with a fingernail, pencil and charcoal.
Researchers have done a great job identifying and studying those marks - more than 1,400 in all. All of them are listed in the Appendix to the Gospel. This unique edition is a perfect combination of beauty, informativity, visual expression, conciseness and functionality.
“In its work on the Gospel of Dostoyevsky, the Tobolsk Revival Foundation sought to create a monument to the great writer in a book form - and they’ve certainly done that!” says Yuri Shafranik, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Revival of Tobolsk Foundation.
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