Germany comments on Nord Stream 2 relaunch — RT Business News
Abandoned Russian gas pipeline not an option, says economy ministry
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of commissioning the Nord Stream 2 (NS2) gas pipeline to ease gas shortages in the EU.
« No, that’s not an option » Habeck told n-tv, noting that the pipeline does not have certification. He also pointed out that NS2 is under US sanctions.
Earlier, left-wing German politician Klaus Ernst suggested the government consider operating the pipeline temporarily.
The newly built Russian gas route never worked because Germany halted the certification process in early February, before the conflict in Ukraine began.
NS2 stretches from the Russian coast under the Baltic Sea to Germany. Construction was completed in September 2021 and it was ready for commissioning in December last year. The twin string pipeline was designed to pump 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year.
Last month, the media reported that the German finance ministry was studying the possibility of nationalizing sections of the pipeline that cross the country. The federal government is said to have planned to turn these parts into a connection for an LNG terminal.
Reports of the possible expropriation came as Germany grew increasingly concerned about Russian gas supplies. In June, shipments to Europe by Russia’s Gazprom via the Nord Stream 1 pipeline fell to about 40% of capacity due to parts shortages caused by sanctions imposed on Moscow. The pipeline will be completely shut down for 10 days in mid-July for regular maintenance.
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