Alexey Belogoryev, Deputy Principal Director on Energy Studies at the Institute for Energy and Finance, commented to the BFM.ru news agency on the likelihood of launching Nord Stream 2 before certification.
In Germany, they believe that Nord Stream 2 can be launched even before certification is received, even despite the fine. Handelsblatt's sources say this is a possibility.
Aleksey Belogoryev considers it unlikely that Nord Stream 2 will be launched before certification:
But does it make sense to rush to launch?- Physically it is possible, but it will hurt Gazprom's reputation very hard. The problem here is that a new government is being formed in Germany, in fact, it has been formed, and two parties have a negative attitude towards Nord Stream. And the new government, at the very least, will demand strict observance of the third energy package by this project. That is, there will definitely not be such a loyal attitude as it was under Merkel. If Gazprom accepts this, it will immediately create a conflict situation and greatly complicate further negotiations on gas issues with the new German government.
- In fact, Gazprom has no reason to rush at all, the prices are very high, it suits it. Production in Russia is close to its peak. Gazprom has practically no free gas to supply to Europe.
Subscribe for updates
and be the first to know about new publications