Germany begs Canada to release Russian turbines essential for gas flow

(Bloomberg) — German Deputy Prime Minister Sanctions Russia And publicly pleaded with the Canadian government to release the turbines that are essential to the flow of gas to Europe.

Minister of Economy Robert Havek told Bloomberg that the nodestream 1 pipeline turbines need to be returned before maintenance work begins on Monday. Release the component and there is no excuse for Russian President Vladimir Putin to keep his conduit closed.

"I am the first person to fight for a stronger EU sanctions package, but strong sanctions need to hurt and harm Russia and Putin more than our economy. Means, "Habeck said on the phone. Interview late Wednesday. "Therefore, I want you to understand that we need to keep this turbine excuse away from Putin."

Germany faces the prospect of allocating energy in the coming months. increase. This can hurt businesses and consumers and put Europe's largest economy into a recession. Authorities have warned that Russia could shut down the node stream in the long run after a two-week maintenance period at Russia's largest gas link to Europe. In June, turbine issues already reduced flows by 60%, hampering Germany's efforts to store sufficient supplies in the winter.

“NordStream1 needs space to fill the storage,” says Habeck. “Germany's storage capacity is important not only for the German market, but also for the European market and the safety of supply in Europe.”

Supply pressures have destabilized the gas market. On Thursday, European benchmark futures, which doubled in value in the past month, were heading for the longest daily profits in more than nine months.

Coupled with supply shortages, rising prices are putting companies such as Uniper SE at risk. The largest buyers of Russian gas in Germany are having a hard time fulfilling delivery contracts in the midst of soaring prices, so they are discussing relief with the government. Havec said the situation risks creating a "cascade effect" in the German energy system.

A turbine built in Canada by Siemens Energy AG was sent to Montreal for repairs, but Russian oil and Russian oil announced by Prime Minister Justint Rudow's government last month. Left behind due to sanctions on the gas industry. Recognizing the legal binding created by Canadian sanctions, the Deputy Prime Minister proposed a workaround.

"If it's a legal issue for Canada, I want to make it clear that I'm not asking them to deliver it to Russia, but to bring it to Germany. "Habeck said. "We had to ask for this from the bottom of our heart."

Two days after Prime Minister Olav Schortz called on Trudeau and Europe's energy security, he said. A week after hosting the Seven Leaders Summit in Germany, most focused. About the fallout from Putin's invasion of Ukraine.

Canadian officials were uncommitted when asked about a request for German assistance with a licensed turbine.

"We will not stop imposing severe costs on the Putin administration while the unjust invasion is underway," said Ian Cameron, spokesman for the Minister of Natural Resources, Jonathan Wilkinson, in an email. rice field. “We will continue to support our European friends and allies by helping stabilize the energy market and developing long-term and sustainable solutions for energy supply.”

Havebeck said Putin could exploit the turbine problem and threaten Germany's gas supply, even though the pipeline is still up and running. He said he believes that the state-owned Russian gas giant Gazprom PJSC, which operates the pipeline, has another operating turbine that can be used in the meantime.

"Don't make the mistake of believing in Putin's propaganda," Havek said. Returning the device before the scheduled shutdown may not solve the problem, but he added that it would undermine one of Putin's potential arguments to keep the pipeline closed afterwards. rice field.

"If you want to keep this excuse way away from him, you're calling on the Canadian government not to make a decision without waiting too long before the maintenance period begins," Hubeck said. .. "Otherwise, Putin is confident that he will find political problems in the pipeline."

Europe is facing the biggest energy crisis in decades and is a major supplier. One Russia is curbing gas transport in retaliation for sanctions and military support for Europe's Ukraine. This week, Germany is rushing to legislation that will allow struggling companies to be bailed out to limit the effects of supply shortages and rising consumer energy costs.

Immediately after the Siemens turbine ran aground last month, Gazprom cut off the flow through the node stream. Summer is an important time to warm the house in winter and replenish the stock needed to run the factory. The country is targeting 90% capacity by November 1st. Wednesday's level was 62.6%.

Other turbines are still in Russia, but Gazprom said not all of them are working. The energy giant quoted an order from state safety regulators to stop using equipment that requires regular maintenance.

Havek said he understands why returning the pipeline can be politically controversial for the Tordo government, the largest Canadian Ukraine outside Russia. I quoted Diaspora.

"I know they are thinking carefully about the situation, and I fully understand the situation they have to balance," he said.

Instead, Havec quoted Germany's past policy mistakes and his personal obligations as Cabinet Minister in explaining his plea for Tordo's help.

To ensure the safety of energy, "this is part of the vow I have given to the German people," he said. "It was a serious mistake that Germany was very dependent on a country with an energy supply. This country is Russia."