Quoting rt.com, the flow of the pipeline was due to restart on September 3, 2022 after repairs. Gazprom received a warning from Russian industrial regulator Rostekhnadzor about the turbine failure.

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According to the company, problems were detected during maintenance work and the pipeline could not function without proper repairs. Gazprom informed German manufacturer Siemens of the turbine failure and the need for repairs.

Repairs to the Nord Stream 1 pipeline were originally scheduled for August 31 to September 3. The treatment led to a complete stoppage of gas flows to the EU.

Since July, the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline has been operating at reduced capacity due to the shutdown of several gas turbines. A number of these facilities were sent to Montreal for repairs, but were trapped by Canadian sanctions against Russia following the conflict in Ukraine.

At Germany’s request, Ottawa announced an exemption for turbines in July and returned one turbine. However, Gazprom refused to accept the submission, citing irregularities in the documentation.

Read also: Europe is shaken again, Gazprom cuts the flow of Russian gas for 3 days

Gazprom cited faulty or delayed equipment as the main reason for an 80% reduction in pipeline shipments. The Kremlin said this week that only sanctions prevented Nord Stream 1 from operating at full capacity.

Gazprom CEO Alexey Miller also warned that the sanctions could prevent Siemens Energy from carrying out routine maintenance of plumbing equipment. Meanwhile, the newly constructed Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline was not used because Germany refused to operate.

(ng)