Nord Stream 2 AG, the developer of a pipeline to supply Russian natural gas to the EU market through the Baltic Sea, today received the construction permit for the Russian section of the planned pipeline. The permit has been issued by the Russian Ministry of Construction and Utilities in line with the established procedure. Practical implementation of the project under the terms of newly issued permit will begin in the nearest future, taking into account environmental aspects and in line with the conclusion of the State Environmental Expert Review.
“We are very pleased to have obtained this permit. This is the result of extensive and thorough teamwork that has been carried out throughout the comprehensive permitting process. This marks an important milestone for the Nord Stream 2 project,” said Sergey Serdyukov, Chief Technical Officer at Nord Stream 2 AG.
In Russia, Nord Stream 2 needs to obtain two main permits. In addition to the permit issued today, a permit for construct of an underwater pipeline in the territorial sea of the Russian Federation will be obtained from the Russian Environmental Authority (Rosprirodnadzor). It is expected to be issued in the nearest future.
To date, Germany, Finland and Sweden have granted all the necessary permits for construction and operation of the planned pipeline. The national permitting procedure in Denmark is ongoing.
About Nord Stream 2
Nord Stream 2 is a planned pipeline through the Baltic Sea, which will transport natural gas over some 1,230 km from the world’s largest gas reserves in Russia via the most efficient route to consumers in Europe. Nord Stream 2 will largely follow the route and technical concept of the successful Nord Stream Pipeline. The new pipeline will have the capacity to transport 55 billion cubic metres of gas per year, enough to supply 26 million European households. This secure supply of natural gas with its low CO2 emissions will also contribute to Europe’s objective to have a more climate-friendly energy mix with gas substituting for coal in power generation and providing back-up for intermittent renewable sources of energy such as wind and solar power.