Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2: Prospects for 2024 and Beyond
It appears unlikely that the Nord Stream and Nord Stream 2 pipelines will be brought back online in 2024. This view comes from Igor Ananskikh, the First Deputy Chairman of Russia’s State Duma Energy Committee, who recently commented on the situation in connection with the ongoing investigations and geopolitical developments surrounding these gas routes.
Ananskikh noted that while restoring the project would be advantageous from a commercial standpoint, such a move is not expected to occur imminently. He stressed that any resumption would depend on clarifying the causes behind the explosions that damaged the pipelines and determining the responsible parties. He also underscored that the ownership and liability lay with an international consortium rather than Russia.
The deputy chairman expressed skepticism about Nord Stream resuming full-capacity operations in 2024. Even so, he pointed out Europe’s strong interest in securing reliable energy supplies from Russia, given the continent’s narrow margins in energy security and the role these pipelines have played in European gas dynamics.
According to Ananskikh, there remains a substantial gap between Moscow and Brussels. He cautioned that the pipelines will not be reinstated while there is a persistent misunderstanding between the Russian Federation and the European Union. However, he left room for potential changes if the political and technical landscape shifts.
At the Russian level, Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council, indicated toward the end of October that those responsible for the explosions in the Baltic Sea corridor would be identified and held accountable. His statements contribute to the broader narrative of ongoing investigations and the geopolitical implications of the incident.
Earlier reports from Germany indicated there were discussions about offering a reward for information related to the Nord Stream incidents. Such incentives reflect the international interest in uncovering the facts and ensuring energy security across Europe and adjacent markets.