Prospects for the construction of the Siberia – Central Asia pipeline

Russian State Agrarian University - Moscow Agricultural Academy named after KA Timiryazev, Moscow, Russia

^* Corresponding author: nmartinova@rgau-msha.ru

Abstract

The shallowing of the Aral Sea and desertification of adjacent territories remain a global environmental problem that requires immediate resolution. The situation has stabilized in the Small Aral with the construction of the Kokaral dam; in the rest of the territory, despite the measures taken, the situation is becoming more complicated. In the countries of Central Asia, due to population growth and agricultural development, the shortage of water resources is increasing. A solution to the problem could be the resumption of the project to transfer part of the flow of the Irtysh River to the lower reaches of the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers. In recent years, sufficient experience has been accumulated in transporting water resources through pipes. This method of transporting water will minimize losses due to evaporation and filtration, which will eliminate the possibility of swamping of adjacent areas. The construction of the pipeline will solve the problem of water shortage in the Central Asian region, improve the environmental situation in the Aral Sea region, and reduce the risk of desertification. The article proposes the parameters of the designed pipeline, selects the material and diameter of the pipes used. Numerical methods were used to determine losses in the pipeline during water transportation. The article provides a quantitative assessment of energy costs during the construction of the pipeline, and provides comparisons with existing pipelines from Lake Constance in Germany and Tazirb - Benghazi in Libya. The energy capabilities of the territories adjacent to the pipeline route were assessed and it was proven that the electricity generated in Siberia and Kazakhstan is sufficient to implement the project under consideration. The construction of the pipeline will reduce the volume of excavation and concrete work compared to the construction of an open canal with lining. During the construction process, there will be no need to alienate large areas, and the impact on the environmental situation of adjacent territories will be minimized. The use of pipeline transport will minimize water losses during transportation.