Neither close nor forget: why have Nord Streams to Europe turned into suitcases without handles for Gazprom

Alexey Gromov, Principal Director on Energy studies at the Institute for Energy and Finance, gave an interview to the Chemical Aggregates industry magazine about the challenge and opportunities for Gazprom in the European gas market.

— The Council of Europe's decision to ban any Russian gas in 2027 should force Gazprom to decide what to do with the giant gas transmission system heading west. What are the options?

— This is a matter of a political decision by our authorities. Of course, it is economically unprofitable for Gazprom to maintain such a large number of pipes going to the west, through which the possibility of export is now completely closed. If we talk about gas pipes, then the question arises of their conservation in order to optimize Gazprom's costs for maintaining excess gas transmission capacity.

— Why is this a political issue?

Either we agree with the EU's decision and forget about the western supply route, then we will preserve the gas transportation system in this direction and not service it. Either we politically leave the door open for future cooperation with Europe in the gas sector and, as part of our goodwill, keep the main gas transportation infrastructure in working order.

— What should it look like?

We have repeatedly said that the remaining branch of the Nord Stream gas transmission system, which has not been damaged, is in working condition. It requires money and gas, it is necessary to maintain pressure in the pipe, which is impossible if it is dry. In any case, gas is pumped there, which lies there and ensures that the system is ready to export gas from Russia.

— Do you completely exclude the possibility of Russia's return to Europe, for example, through American companies?

— We live in a world where you can try to realize or not realize the most original projects. No one expected that such an original decision would be made regarding the Gaza Strip, namely, the creation of an essentially global development company to resolve the issue with this territory.

— So the desire to buy Nord Stream was also not a bluff?

I believe that the initiative that has been announced and talked about in recent years, that the Americans want to buy the Nord Stream gas pipeline, I am absolutely sure that this initiative has not died. The problem is that the possibility of implementing this project is directly linked to the end of the conflict in Ukraine. As soon as it is completed, we will see that clearing of possible agreements between the United States and Russia, including regarding the European gas market.