The turbine requested by Russia for the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline is stored in Germany. But it can be delivered “at any time,” says Chancellor Scholz. He accuses Gazprom of playing the wrong game with the reduced gas supplies.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz indirectly accused Russia of using pretexts for the lack of gas deliveries. The turbine for the Nord Stream 1 pipeline can be used at any time and can be delivered, said the SPD politician during a visit to the energy technology group Siemens Energy in Mülheim an der Ruhr. The machine is temporarily stored there on its way from Canada to Russia.
“The turbine is there, it can be delivered, someone just has to say I want it, then it will be there very quickly,” emphasized Scholz. Nothing will then stand in the way of gas transport through Nord Stream 1. “None of the technical reasons put forward can be explained on a factual basis,” said the Chancellor.
Since June, Russia has cut back gas supplies via Nord Stream 1. The energy company Gazprom justified this with the missing turbine. It is important to build up the pressure required to pump the gas through. Gazprom repeatedly accused its contractual partner Siemens Energy of not having sent the necessary documents and information to repair the machine. Siemens Energy rejected the allegations.
Scholz emphasized that there were no reasons why the turbine could not be delivered. Not only is it in perfect condition, there are no gas sanctions against using it. In view of the Russian war in Ukraine, however, one must be aware “that there can be any pretended reasons put forward at any time that lead to something not working,” said the Chancellor.
