The reason is a technical problem with another Siemens turbine
Gazprom has announced that it is shutting down a second Siemens turbine used to transport gas along the Nord Stream in Germany. This will happen on July 27 at 7 a.m., the company announced. Thus, the transfer of gas will drop to 33 million cubic meters per day, which is 1/5 of the planned capacity of 167 million cubic meters. The official reason for stopping the turbine is “technical condition of the engine”.
Immediately after the announcement, gas in Europe rose in price by 9% and on the stock exchange its price reached $1,850 per 1,000 cubic meters.
In the middle of June, it cut gas supplies on Nord Stream by 60%. From July 11 to 21, Nord Stream was stopped for planned preventive maintenance. On July 21, the transit was resumed in a reduced volume.
Dramas with the Nord Stream gas pipeline and the ill-fated “Canadian” turbine also continue.
The Siemens Energy turbine, which was under repair in Canada, has now been repaired and is located in Germany, but cannot yet reach the compressor station in Russia. First there were problems with returning the machine because of Canada’s sanctions against Russia (Ottawa had to make an exception). Then it turned out that the documentation for the preventive maintenance and the transportation of the complex high-tech equipment was delayed.
Today, the Russian company “Gazprom” announced that “Siemens” had obtained the necessary licenses, but there were still risks and unresolved questions. In its statement, Gazprom stated that the EC and UK sanctions issues remain unresolved, and they are important for the delivery of the engine to Russia and for the planned overhaul of the other gas turbines for the Portovaya station. “Gazprom” emphasizes that it has once again called on Siemens to assist in the procurement of the necessary documents and for clarifications on the resolution of the remaining issues.
Behind all these statements and appeals there is a clear message to the EU – if you do not soften the sanctions, you will have great concerns with natural gas supplies.
Repairs and reductions
In fact, as recently as last week, Putin warned Europeans not to rely too much on Nord Stream. The Russian president explained that pipeline supplies may be further reduced due to “slow progress in facility maintenance“.
After the planned annual preventive maintenance, which lasted 10 days and served as a justification for the complete stoppage of gas supply, on July 21, “Nord Stream” started working again, but with reduced quantities.
Putin claims that “Gazprom” is not to blame for the problems with the transmission to Europe and strives to fulfill its obligations despite everything. By which he means – you punished us with sanctions, and we will remind you every day how dependent you are on Russian gas.
Speaking to reporters after his visit to Iran, Putin clarified that there are five gas pumping units operated by Siemens Energy in Nord Stream 1, but some are out of order – for example, one was out of order due to “damage to the inner lining”.
“There are two turbines there that pump 60 million cubic meters per day… If one is not returned, there will be one that has a capacity of 30 million cubic meters. Does Gazprom have anything to do with this?” Putin asked . And he hinted that the Kremlin now has a new justification to reduce supplies – another one of the gas turbines is due to be sent for repairs on July 26.
Long return
The turbine, repaired in Canada, was sent by plane to Germany as early as July 17. В петък „Гaзпpoм“ зaяви, че все oщe нe e пoлyчил нeoбxoдимaтa дoĸyмeнтaция oт Ѕіеmеnѕ Еnеrgу, пoтвъpждaвaщa ocвoбoждaвaнeтo oт caнĸциитe нa Eвpoпeйcĸия cъюз и Kaнaдa зa ĸлючoвaтa тypбинa зa тpъбoпpoвoдa, ĸoятo тpябвa дa бъдe въpнaтa ĸъм ĸoмпpecopнaтa cтaнция “Πopтoвaя”.
According to “Komepcant”, the turbine could have left by ferry from Germany to Finland already on Saturday, but due to the lack of an export permit, it was not loaded for transportation.
This morning it became clear that on Sunday “Siemens” has sent the documentation and the machine will be able to leave for “Portovaya” station.
But even after the turbine is delivered and installed, Nord Stream supplies are likely to remain limited as other equipment at the same compressor station is undergoing maintenance.
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