In Germany, dissatisfaction with Russia over the dispute over the gas turbine intended for Nord Stream 1 is growing. Now Christian Bruch, CEO of Siemens, has added and Russia needs an explanation: Gazprom already has an identical spare part in stock at the affected gas compressor station, explained he out on Wednesday. There is therefore no reason for a reduction in delivery volumes to Europe.
The gas turbine still stuck in Germany remains a political issue at the highest level. While Russia is still playing on time and presumably delaying delivery on purpose, the West is slowly losing its temper.
Spare part “could already be mounted”
Actually, the re-installation of the turbine was not planned until September, Bruch explained during a factory visit by Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Mühlheim. However, there is still an identical spare part in the Portovaya gas compressor station, “that is there and can now be installed”.
However, Gazprom usually doesn’t do this until the next spare part is already on its way. “From our point of view, all that can be done is prepared.” They try to make Gazprom clear every day. “There is still a dialogue with Gazprom and there is still clarification on the issues of what is actually missing and what is not.”
Without turbines, no gas flows
The turbines drive compressors that build up the pressure needed to transport the gas through the pipeline. According to Bruch, in addition to two smaller turbines, there are six large turbines for both Nord Stream 1 lines in Portovaya. “You need five of these turbines to generate 100 percent power. One of them is running today. That’s why we’re at 20 percent.” Technically, you don’t understand why there wouldn’t be operational readiness.
Scholz: Turbine in Germany just waiting for transport
With his visit to Mülheim, he wanted to ‘demystify’ the debate, according to Scholz. He thought it might make a lot of sense “if we look at it together so you can see it really exists, it’s here, it’s ready for action”. “And by the way, in the world we live in today, it’s quite easy to transport them. Only one person has to say: please send them away.”
Not only is the turbine in perfect condition, there are no gas penalties for using it. However, in view of the Russian war in Ukraine, one should be aware “that there can always be alleged, argued reasons that lead to something not working,” the chancellor said.
Russia keeps making excuses
Since June, Russia has cut gas supply through Nord Stream 1. The energy company Gazprom justified this with the missing turbine. It is important to build up the pressure needed to pump the gas. Gazprom repeatedly accused its contract partner Siemens Energy of failing to send the necessary documents and information to repair the machine. Siemens Energy rejected the allegations.
Russia reiterated its position on Wednesday. The turbine is now in Germany, but Gazprom, as the owner, still does not have the necessary paperwork, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, according to Interfax news agency.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
