“Take it right away. Here it is ! Scholz said at a press conference in Berlin, as quoted by Russia Today, Friday (8/11/2022).

Also read: EU gets worse over Russian gas

The Nord Stream 1 gas turbine has become the center of an escalating energy dispute between Russia and Germany, after undergoing treatment in Canada. The turbine was to be transported to a pipeline compressor station in Russia last May, so that gas flow to the European Union (EU) could be maintained at full capacity.

However, after weeks of waiting in Canada due to Ottawa’s refusal to return the turbines due to its sanctions against Moscow, essential equipment is now adrift in Germany.

Russia’s main energy company, Gazprom, insists it is Western sanctions that are blocking the return of turbines from Germany. It also extends equipment maintenance on the Nord Stream 1 pipeline.

Read also: More and more dragging, gas flow from Russia to Europe is only 20%

According to the company, the documents for the return of spare parts do not correspond to those issued by Siemens Energy and not to the company contracted by Gazprom.

Gazprom insists that if the turbines are sent to Russia, there is a risk that Canadian authorities will view it as a breach of contract and revoke permits for turbine maintenance to be carried out in the country.

For the past month, gas supply from Russia to the EU via Nord Stream 1 has fallen to just 20% of the maximum level, as only one of the six turbines is currently in operation. The rest needs repair.

According to Gazprom, five turbines are needed to operate in order to supply gas to the EU at full capacity. The turbine jam was the main reason why Gazprom cut off its gas supply to Europe.

(do)