First Nord Stream pipeline complete

Russia’s first direct gas link to the EU is in place, promising to meet around 10% of the bloc’s gas demand from next year

Nord Stream has finished laying the first of two pipelines that will carry 55 billion cubic metres a year (cm/y) of Russian natural gas to Europe. The company claims the link, from Russia direct to Germany across the Baltic Sea, could ensure Europe’s energy security for “at least 50 years”. The final segment of the first section of pipeline was laid on 4 May and Nord Stream expects it to be in commercial operation by October this year. “At a time when recent world events have led to increased concern about nuclear power and energy imports from North Africa, this infrastructure project takes on more importance for both Europe and Russia,” Matthias Warnig, Nord Stream’s managing director said.