The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is ready. But so far there is no certification by the German authorities. It is unclear when it can start. The Green MEP warns of premature joy.
According to the Green MEP Reinhard Bütikofer, the controversial Baltic Sea pipeline Nord Stream 2 could become an investment ruin.
“The cry of triumph with which the Russian side is celebrating the completion of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline is premature,” he told the German press agency. The pipeline was completed a few days ago. In future, 55 billion cubic meters of gas will flow annually from Russia to Germany through the pipeline. However, the project has met with major reservations in neighboring Russian countries such as Poland and the Baltic states.
The United States, Ukraine and other countries had put up bitter resistance to the pipeline. When asked whether the completion of the project last week would be a great triumph for Russian President Vladimir Putin, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov said: “If Nord Stream 2 goes into operation, then the energy suppliers are just as winners as the consumers. So everyone. “
Even if Nord Stream 2 is now built, the pipeline must meet the requirements of European law, emphasized Bütikofer. For example, there is the principle of so-called unbundling (German: Entflechtung). This means that gas production and infrastructure for delivery cannot be in one hand in order to prevent monopolies. “Gazprom has not yet undertaken this unbundling for the pipeline,” said Bütikofer, referring to Nord Stream 2 and the Russian gas giant Gazprom. In addition, according to European energy law, third parties must also have the right to feed into the pipeline, for which Gazprom has not yet found a solution.
Certification by the German authorities is still required for commissioning. It is not clear when the start permit will be given. But even if the Federal Network Agency should approve the operation, the EU Commission could still thwart the project, said Bütikofer. Should she see valid arguments that a possibly positive decision by the Federal Network Agency violates European energy law, the pipeline could become an “investment ruin”, according to Bütikofer.
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
