Nord Steam 2: on the verge of sending gas to Europe

Both lines of Nord Stream 2 have been built, and the first line is filled with gas at pressure sufficient to start flows. The project has faced many obstacles before reaching this stage, and some of these obstacles, related to technical and regulatory certification, are analysed in this Insight. With the technical certification challenge apparently resolved, Nord Stream 2 is now on the verge of sending gas to Europe, waiting only for clearance from the German regulatory authority. This Insight aims to answer the question of when Nord Stream 2 will start flowing gas. It outlines several scenarios, some of which see the flows starting before the end of 2021, and analyses various factors which could have an impact on which scenario will materialise.

By: Katja Yafimava