11-Feb-2023: Bombing of Nord Stream gas pipelines last year have ignited intense discussions and controversies
Underwater explosions in September 2022 have caused rupture in pipelines. Seismologists detected the cause was due to explosions under the sea.
Economic and political implications for Europe and Russia.
Europe:
- Loss of access to reliable and cost-effective source of natural gas.
- Large investments in Nord Stream 2 were made by European businesses.
- Pressure on governments from these businesses.
- Reduction in gas from Russia would increase gas prices.
Russia:
- Largest natural gas reserves in the world.
- Around 40% of budget comes from gas and oil sales.
- Nord Stream pipeline increases Russia's influence over Europe's energy markets.
Nord Stream Pipeline
The Nord Stream gas pipeline, also known as the Baltic Sea pipeline, is a 1,222 kilometer-long natural gas pipeline that connects Russia with Europe. This pipeline is considered to be the most direct and secure route for transporting natural gas from Russia to Europe, bypassing traditional transit countries like Ukraine and Belarus.
Nord Stream is operated by the Nord Stream AG consortium, with Gazprom holding a majority stake, and is made up of two parallel pipelines that run from the Russian city of Vyborg to the German town of Greifswald. The pipeline has a capacity of 55 billion cubic meters per year, which is enough to supply around 26 million European homes.
Nord Stream is also a cost-effective and environmentally friendly way of transporting natural gas. The pipeline has a lower carbon footprint than other forms of transportation, such as tanker ships or trucks, and is a more cost-effective option for transporting large volumes of gas over long distances.
The pipeline also supports the development of a competitive and integrated energy market in Europe by increasing the diversity of energy supply options. This helps to create a more resilient energy system and reduces the reliance on any single source or transit route.
Despite the benefits of the Nord Stream pipeline, there are some environmental concerns related to its construction and operation. The pipeline passes through the sensitive marine ecosystem of the Baltic Sea, which is home to many endangered species. The construction of the pipeline has been criticized for damaging the environment and disrupting the habitat of marine life.