Russian energy company Novatek is poised to give the green light to its planned 19.8-million-tonne-per-annum Arctic LNG 2 project earlier than expected.

Those working in the project team reveal that they have been asked to complete their preparations this month in readiness for a final sanction. This week, Novatek chief executive Leonid Mikhelson said the project partners plan to take a final investment decision on the $23bn project in September.