Nord Stream 2 Pipeline

Nord Stream 2 Pipeline

Part of: GS Prelims and GS- II – International Relations

In news

• In a development that could increase tensions between the USA and Germany, the association which is building the Nord Stream 2 pipeline has said that it has resumed work on the controversial project.

Key takeaways 

• In 2015, Gazprom and 5 other European energy firms decided to build Nord Stream 2, valued at around $11 billion.
• The 1,200 km pipeline will run from Ust-Luga in Russia to Greifswald in Germany. 
• It will carry 55 billion cubic meters of gas per year.
• The under-construction pipeline will run along with the already-completed Nord Stream 1 system, and the two together will supply an aggregate of 110 billion cubic meters of gas to Germany per year.

Why is the pipeline controversial?

• Nord Stream 2 has drawn criticism from the US, where it is believed that the project would increase Europe’s dependence on Russia for natural gas, thus strengthening its President.
• Currently, EU countries already rely on Russia for 40% of their gas needs.