September 2019, Vol. 246, No. 9
Projects
Gazprom Expects Danish Approval of Nord Stream 2 by October
Russian gas producer Gazprom expects Denmark to agree to its route application for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline to Germany in October, the Russia International News agency (RIA) reported.
Gazprom hopes to finish the gas pipeline project to Germany by the end of this year, but it has had delays in obtaining permits from Denmark.
“I think they should give approval sometime in October and then we complete this very important project at the end of the year,” Gazprom’s Chairman Viktor Zubkov quoted as saying.
One reason for the anticipated approval is the Danish government is expected to rule on another pipeline project – the Baltic Pipe from Norway to Poland – at the same time. If Denmark approves the Baltic Pipe but rejects Nord Stream, it may give Gazprom more leeway to appeal the decision.
If approved, Gazprom could complete the pipeline as early as the end of 2019. The company already said it will need about five weeks to complete laying pipe in the 80-mile (130-km) unfinished portion.
Zubkov said more than 60%, 1,000 miles (1,628 km), of the line has already been completed along the floor of the Baltic Sea.
Gazprom contracted Dutch Allseas to build the first Nord Stream pipeline, Nord Stream 1, in addition to the already completed portion of Nord Stream 2 and its TurkStream pipeline. Allseas has a large amount of business in the U.S. meaning it would most likely comply with the sanctions.
If completed, Nord Stream 2 is expected to carry up to 1.94 Tcf (55 Bcm) of gas per year from Russia into Germany. P&GJ
Comments