The Nord Stream turbine remains in Germany, and Gazprom has stated that returning the engine to Russia is not feasible under present sanctions and contractual constraints. The Russian energy company explained via Telegram that Canadian sanctions, European Union rules, and the UK framework, along with Siemens’ existing contractual obligations, prevent delivery of the 073 engine to Portovaya CS.
Christian Bruch, who previously led Siemens Energy and oversees the gas turbine operations that support Nord Stream, indicated that the turbine was not shipped back to Russia because the Russian side had shown little engagement. He noted that all documents and customs paperwork were prepared, but the customer, Gazprom, had not yet participated in the process.
German government spokesman Wolfgang Büchner added that no new guarantees are necessary to ship the turbine to Russia and that Germany has taken the required preparatory steps. The turbine is reportedly ready for transport, according to statements by the German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who personally visited Siemens Energy and inspected the gas pipeline equipment.
Siemens’ Responsibility Discussed
Former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder offered a different position, arguing that Siemens Energy bears responsibility for the turbine issues essential to Nord Stream’s full operation. Schröder pointed out that Siemens had already delivered a turbine to Mülheim an der Ruhr after maintenance in Canada and questioned why it was not available in Russia. He stressed that five turbines are needed to run the pipeline, with one in Canada undergoing repairs, another currently out of service, and a fifth supplying substantial gas flow. Schröder implied that Siemens bears accountability for the disruptions and the resulting reduction in gas delivery.
Schröder explained that in abnormal times, a standby unit is prudent. He estimated that only 20 percent of normal gas volume was reaching the pipeline and suggested that if the second turbine had been available, capacity could have been higher. He concluded that Siemens carries responsibility for these gaps.
Immediate Readiness and Meetings
The former chancellor traveled to Moscow to meet President Vladimir Putin. After the talks, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described the discussions as primarily focused on the energy crisis. He explained that one turbine had been sent to Canada for overhaul and is now in Germany, but paperwork gaps and jurisdictional questions complicated the process. Peskov attributed the complexity to contracts governed under British law, with services managed by a British subsidiary rather than the German parent company, complicating adherence to German contract terms.
During the talks, Putin was asked about the possibility of using Nord Stream 2 in a critical situation. Peskov indicated that substantial work had already been completed on the pipeline and that it could be ready for immediate use if needed. Gazprom, as the turbine’s supplier and owner, emphasized that the company must receive documentation proving the turbine is authorized for use, along with assessments of its technical condition.
Germany and Energy Supply Concerns
On July 27, Gazprom paused operation of another Siemens turbine, further reducing Nord Stream throughput. The pipeline then operated around 20 percent of its maximum capacity, contributing to a spike in gas prices. The following day, leaders in the Baltic island region urged the German government to consider Nord Stream 2 as an alternative, criticizing the decision to reduce reliance on Russian energy supplies. In Bayreuth, residents reacted to comments by Germany’s Economy Minister about Ukraine support, inflation, and the energy crisis, signaling public concern over energy independence and Russia relations. The minister emphasized the goal of reducing dependence on Russian energy as swiftly as possible.