The Nord Stream 2 pipeline, largely destroyed in an explosion and long regarded as a symbol of Europe’s energy dependency on Russia, may yet have a future.
According to reports from the German business daily Handelsblatt, discussions are taking place within government and industry circles regarding the potential use of a section of the pipeline for importing green hydrogen from Finland.
The pipeline is now being considered as an important route for hydrogen transport through the Baltic Sea. Furthermore, speculation is growing over whether the pipeline could once again transport natural gas from Russia should a peace agreement be reached in Ukraine.
Hydrogen Transport in the Baltic Sea
The possibility of repurposing Nord Stream 2 for green hydrogen transport aligns with Europe’s broader efforts to transition towards renewable energy sources.
Finland has been investing heavily in hydrogen production, with ambitions to become a key supplier to Central Europe. The existing pipeline infrastructure, despite the damage sustained in the 2022 explosion, could theoretically be adapted to carry hydrogen instead of natural gas.
The technical feasibility of such a conversion remains uncertain, but experts suggest that sections of the pipeline might still be usable, reducing the need for entirely new infrastructure.
While this idea may appear pragmatic, it also raises significant political and regulatory questions. The European Union and Germany have been actively seeking to diversify energy sources and move away from Russian infrastructure.
Any initiative to repurpose Nord Stream 2, even for hydrogen, would require careful negotiation among European partners, especially in light of the strong opposition to the pipeline prior to its destruction.
Speculation Over Gas Imports from Russia
Alongside the hydrogen discussions, there is renewed speculation over whether Nord Stream 2 could once again be used for transporting Russian gas to Germany and the wider European market.
Such a move would be highly controversial, given the EU’s continued efforts to reduce reliance on Russian energy following the invasion of Ukraine. However, some voices within the industry argue that should a peace agreement be reached, economic pragmatism might lead to a reassessment of energy ties.
Despite official denials, reports indicate that the German government does not want to leave the future of Nord Stream 2 to chance. A recent court ruling has increased the pressure on Berlin to take a clear position on the pipeline’s fate. If no decision is made regarding its future by 9 May, the company Nord Stream 2 AG could face liquidation.
Legal and Regulatory Developments
The legal battle over Nord Stream 2 continues. The controversial pipeline recently suffered another setback in its legal fight against EU gas market regulations, marking a largely symbolic defeat for the now-defunct project.
Meanwhile, Denmark’s Energy Agency has granted permission to a subsidiary of Gazprom to carry out conservation work on Nord Stream 2 in the Baltic Sea, allowing for its preservation.
Political Sensitivities Ahead of the Bundestag Elections
The resurgence of the Nord Stream 2 debate comes at a particularly sensitive time, with Germany’s parliamentary elections less than three weeks away.
The pipeline has long been a divisive issue in German politics, having contributed to tensions with the United States and several European partners. Given the geopolitical ramifications, no party is keen to be seen as supporting a revival of the project.
The German government has categorically denied that any plans exist for Nord Stream 2’s future, yet sources close to the matter suggest that discussions are ongoing behind closed doors. Policymakers appear to be weighing legal, economic, and strategic factors before making any definitive statements.
The Future of Nord Stream 2
As Europe continues its transition away from fossil fuels, the fate of Nord Stream 2 remains uncertain. The possibility of using parts of the pipeline for hydrogen transport offers a potential path forward that aligns with Europe’s climate goals, but political resistance remains strong. Meanwhile, the notion of resuming Russian gas imports remains highly speculative and deeply contentious.
Read also:
Russia’s Hybrid Escalation from Dnipro to the Baltic – “Europe Must Act Now”, Mykhailo Gonchar