Russia shuts off gas pipeline, Germany shivers

The shutting off of Nord Stream 1 has left Europe on the edge

Russia is the largest producer of natural gas in the world, and second largest producer of crude oil. Europe’s dependence on Russia for fuel is Putin’s shield, during this time of Russia-Ukraine war. Nord Stream 1, starts from Vyborg, Russia moving through sea it reaches Greifswald, Germany and is 1,222 Km, world longest sub-sea pipeline in the world. 

The Russian pipeline ceased operating on 11th July and will remain ceased till 21st July, for annual maintenance says Russia. The pipeline provides 55 billion cubic meters of gas annually to Europe. Gas is used for heating homes, offices and factories, especially in the harsh long winters of Europe, the gas is also used for power generation across the continent. 

But during this time of war, when Moscow had already cut 40% of the pipeline capacity in June, suddenly an annual maintenance, to Europe it seems to be a political move.

Situation in Germany

Germany has 3 stages of law, depending upon what is the gas situation in the country. 1) Early warning, 2) Alert, 3) Emergency. And now Germany has announced it is on the second stage. Which means it has asked it citizens to use the energy very efficiently. Old power plants which were shut down in previous years, have been switched back on.  

Alternatives

Berlin has spoke to U.S and some Arab countries regarding the gas imports, but importing gas form these countries will be more expensive, this would require a transporting gas in liquefied form (LNG) through ships and will also require a huge investment on ports, to dock these ships and most importantly it will require a lot of time, which Germany don’t have.

Germany pays an extraordinary sum of money for gas to Russia, which has been criticized during the time of Russia-Ukraine war, as this amount funded Russia a lot. Before Russia’s invasion in Ukraine, Germany was heavily dependent on Moscow. 55% of Germany’s gas came from Russia, that is now down to 35% which is still an extraordinary amount.