Nord Stream 2 and Germany’s energy debate
The discussion in Berlin centers on gas supply constraints from Nord Stream 1 and Germany’s ongoing dependence on Russian energy. Authorities note that Nord Stream 2 has been completed but has not yet received certification, leaving its practical status uncertain. The Bundestag has reserved judgment on whether to proceed with Nord Stream 2, given Europe’s broader energy needs and the delicate balance of supply and diplomacy.
According to Klaus Ernst, regardless of the physical route, much of the gas once delivered to Germany remains tied to Russia. In that context, Nord Stream 2 carries symbolic weight even as questions about reliability and timing persist.
Isolation is not an option
In an interview with Die Zeit, Michael Kretschmer, the head of Saxony, warned that permanent isolation of Russia would be both irrational and dangerous. He argued that erasing all ties would not only be impractical but could also heighten tensions. Kretschmer emphasized that Russia and Europe have, over the past decade, developed links in science, culture, and business, and that erasing those connections would be short-sighted. He noted that the aftermath of historical traumas makes such a complete break seem improbable to many observers.
Public discontent
In Bayreuth, residents voiced their displeasure during a speech by German Economy Minister Robert Habeck on 29 July. The crowd criticized the broader confrontation with Russia, the decision to supply Ukraine with weapons, rising prices, and the energy crunch facing the nation.
The vice-chancellor linked rising energy costs to the situation in Ukraine and argued for Germany to reduce its dependence on Russian energy as quickly as possible. He reiterated that lowering gas imports remains a political objective, while also noting ongoing efforts to restore a turbine to Russia as part of technical and contractual considerations.
Die Welt reported that some demonstrators unfurled posters calling on German leaders to face accountability in the style of the Nuremberg trials. Activists carried signs that disputed the minister’s positions, and the crowd chanted for a change in leadership and policy direction.
Local voices on energy strategy
On the Baltic island of Rügen, the mayor and representatives from seven towns and one municipality urged the federal government to reconsider Nord Stream 2. Their message was clear: energy security and stability of fuel resources should be long-term priorities for Germany. If Nord Stream 1 cannot operate at full capacity, they argued, connecting Nord Stream 2 should be part of the discussion to maintain steady energy supplies.
Gas flows and turbine issues
On 27 July, Gazprom again reduced gas deliveries through Nord Stream after suspending another Siemens turbine. The pipeline operated at roughly 19.5 percent of its capacity, sparking sharp rises in gas prices that echoed earlier peak periods. Gazprom had warned of potential further reductions via its official communications on the messaging platform used by the company.
Officials noted that the Portovaya compressor station would increase its daily capacity to 33 million cubic meters, effective from 07:00 Moscow time on 27 July, as part of routine maintenance schedules and technical assessments conducted under Rostekhnadzor guidelines and turbine condition reviews.
By midweek, about 20 percent of Nord Stream’s maximum capacity was transported through Nord Stream 1, according to data from the German gas transmission operator. Deliveries through the pipeline had fallen sharply in a single day, reflecting ongoing adjustments in flows and capacity limits. The situation highlighted the fragility of the current supply chain under geopolitical and technical pressures.
As of late July, the Siemens turbine needed for Nord Stream 1 remained in transit from Canada to Russia, underscoring continued logistical challenges that influence operational planning and energy security considerations in the region.
[Citations: Government briefings, regional interviews, and industry reports provided by Berlin correspondents and European energy analysts. See attribution notes for source specifics.]