Nord Stream Leaks Prompt Regional Energy Risk Review

On Tuesday, the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas transport systems faced a rare sequence of leaks that hit three separate cables across both networks. Officials described the damage as unprecedented, and they cautioned that predicting a reopening timeline remains unclear due to the scale of the incident and ongoing investigations.
Nord Stream AG issued a statement noting that simultaneous harm to all offshore lines on a single day marks an extraordinary event in the operation of the Nord Stream network. As of now, there is no reliable estimate for when the gas transport system can return to service. The Swiss-based company stressed the challenge of forecasting restoration timing given the breadth of damage and the ongoing inquiries.
In Denmark, the General Directorate of Energy declared an electricity and gas sector emergency after leaks were identified in both Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 pipelines. The agency stated that the breaches significantly heightened risk and warranted an escalated emergency response to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure energy security for consumers and businesses alike.
The emergency level was raised in line with the five-point readiness framework, signaling that concrete, sector-wide actions would be communicated to utilities and service providers. These measures aim to bolster safety across energy facilities and urban infrastructure amid the unfolding incident.
Initial Danish authorities reported a leak near Nord Stream 2 within Danish waters in the Baltic Sea, followed by leaks on the two Nord Stream lines nearby: one within Danish territorial waters and another adjacent to Sweden’s maritime zone near Bornholm Island. The sequence suggested the leaks originated in relatively close proximity to the Danish archipelago region.
Both gas pipelines have been taken out of service. Nord Stream 1’s operations were halted after the events, while Nord Stream 2 has remained offline. Reports from the period referenced an oil spill at a Russian compression station, though the status of other facilities varied, with one line never reaching full operation prior to broader geopolitical disruptions in the region.
The Danish Navy issued maritime restrictions around the leak sites, prohibiting navigation within a five-mile radius and restricting aerial activity over a one-kilometer zone. Authorities stressed that safety and health risks outside the restricted zones were not expected to materialize for local residents of Bornholm and Christiansø, but the perimeter was strictly enforced to prevent exposure or interference during response operations.
Officials emphasized that it was too soon to determine the underlying causes of the leaks. In the interim, national authorities and energy ministries are maintaining close surveillance, coordinating with international partners and monitoring developments to keep the public informed as new information becomes available. A Danish Energy Minister noted that ongoing assessments would guide further communications and actions as the situation evolves.
Overall, the event has prompted a reassessment of regional energy risk management and the resilience of cross-border gas infrastructure. While detailed investigations proceed, authorities are prioritizing the integrity of critical assets, rapid containment where possible, and transparent updates to ensure energy supply continuity for Denmark, the surrounding Baltic states, and neighboring countries in the European network. Attribution: Danish General Directorate of Energy; Nord Stream AG; related national authorities, 2024 report notes.