Nord Stream 2 pipeline

A new gas export pipeline called Nord Stream 2 was constructed to carry Russian gas across the Baltic Sea to Europe. It is run by Russia’s state-owned gas export monopoly Gazprom. It is anticipated to transport up to 55 cm of gas, doubling the Nord Stream system’s annual export capacity to 110 cm. Although the pipeline’s construction was finished in September 2021, and gas flows were scheduled to begin in 2022, because Germany suspended certification and Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022, the pipeline’s future could be better. If it is put into operation, Nord Stream 2 will supply over 26 million homes in Western Europe.Nord Stream 2 Pipeline Project

What caused for the pipeline to leak?

Two leaks were found on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, which ceased supplying gas to Europe last month, and the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline reported an abrupt reduction in pressure. Following the leak, Danish authorities asked ships to avoid Bornholm by five nautical miles. In addition, Germany abandoned its plan to use Bornholm as a gas supply days before Russia sent troops into Ukraine in February. Although the gas in the pipelines is still under pressure, Europe is not receiving the fuel. These breaches are incredibly uncommon, according to analysts and specialists, and Nord Stream AG has labeled leaks on three strings of the offshore gas pipelines as “unprecedented.” A lack of upkeep, technical issues, and even human error are some potential causes of sabotage. The Kremlin stated that it has not ruled out sabotage as the cause of the damage and added that it was a problem affecting the “entire continent’s” energy security. While the leader of Denmark stated that it could not be ruled out, the prime minister of Poland claimed that the leaks resulted from sabotage. Seismographs on Bornholm recorded spikes at 00:03 and 17:00 GMT on Monday, when the pressure losses took place, according to the German Geology Research Centre GFZ.Nord Stream pipeline leaks: What happened, what’s the impact?

Who is responsible for the pipeline leak?

he Swedish security police investigation into the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines has been strengthened after a crime scene investigation, with both countries excluding Russia from the probes. Russia’s foreign ministry said it was “unthinkable” that an inquiry into pipeline ruptures would proceed without Moscow’s participation. Western governments and officials have avoided pointing a finger directly, while Russia has blamed the West. Although the Kremlin said allegations of Russian responsibility were “stupid,” Russian officials have said Washington had a motive as it wants to sell more liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Europe. President Vladimir Putin said the US and its allies blew up Nord Stream, but the White House has dismissed the accusation, and President Joe Biden said the damage to Nord Stream was a deliberate sabotage.Nord Stream gas ‘sabotage’: who’s being blamed and why?