“Technologically, the first line will not have time to close the failure in filling the storage facilities”
Bloomberg reported today that Gazprom intends to begin deliveries via the first string of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline from October 1. In doing so, the agency referred to sources “familiar with the company’s plans.” The news came amid ongoing statements by the Ukrainian president on oil and gas issues, as well as news about record increases in European gas prices and the fact that gas storage facilities in Europe on the eve of the heating season are not yet full.
But it seems that if something interferes with the plans to launch the gas pipeline in the near future, it will not be the efforts of President Zelensky. In any case, this is the opinion of Vladimir Zharikhin, Deputy Director of the Institute of CIS Countries. “I think that the opposition from Ukraine will be mainly at the level of shouts, incantations, but they will no longer be able to carry out real opposition,” the expert noted. At the same time, he recalled that there are opponents to this project in Europe, and now they are likely to focus on halving Nord Stream 2. But for them now, the situation is not very favorable, due to the fact that gas reserves in Europe are less than usual, and they need to be replenished as soon as possible. And this can be done, including with the help of the facilities of the “Nord Stream-2”.
Sergei Pikin, Director of the Energy Development Fund, also told us that in the current situation the Europeans are very interested in the soonest gas flow through the SP-2, and not in political games. However, he clarified that storage facilities in this situation are not all: gas is consumed in winter not only from them, but also from the “pipe”. At the same time, the Europeans, and first of all Germany, regard this project as important from an economic technological point of view.
“Technologically, the first line will not have enough time to close the gap in storage capacity, because there is very little time left before the heating season. But if there is no SP-2, the Europeans are less expecting a more comfortable winter, ”explained Sergei Pikin. He recalled that the European Gas Directive does not allow 100% use of capacities if the owner of the gas capacities and the gas itself is the same company – only 50%. Therefore, according to Gazprom’s plans, by the end of the year, 5-6 billion cubic meters should be pumped through the SP-2, which will only “partially cover the shortage”. Exactly how much it will close, it will be clear when the heating season starts. If it starts early, then one situation, if it starts late – another.
Now the gas storage facilities in Europe are short of 10-15 billion cubic meters of gas up to the usual level at this time. Uncomfortable stocks can cause an “uncomfortable” winter.
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