Denmark warns of possible sabotage after Nord Stream pipeline leak
Denmark has ordered energy companies to tighten security around their facilities after a suspected leak was discovered in a gas pipeline that was at the center of an energy crisis between Russia and Europe.
On Tuesday, the Swedish shipping authority reported two leaks in Russia’s Nord Stream 1 pipeline near the Danish island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea. The report comes hours after the Danish Energy Agency said there had been another leak at the now-defunct Nord Stream 2 pipeline, also near Bornholm. Both countries warned ships to avoid the area.
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who is in Poland for the opening ceremony of a new gas pipeline that will bring Norwegian goods from Denmark to Poland for the first time, said sabotage cannot be ruled out.
“It’s too early to draw any conclusions yet, but it’s an unusual situation. We’ve had three leaks, and it’s unlikely to be accidental,” he said.
Danish power and gas companies will have to increase security at various premises and buildings after their readiness level is raised to the second highest, ‘Orange’. Director-General of the Danish Energy Agency, Christopher Betzau, said the country wanted “thorough monitoring of Denmark’s critical infrastructure to enhance security of supply”.
The Swedish Energy Agency said it was not considering raising the level of preparedness but was closely monitoring developments.
Leaks in both pipelines won’t directly affect gas supplies, but could unsettle markets heading into the winter.Russia cuts supplies through Nord Stream 1 this month, intensifying Europe’s energy crisis Countries are rushing to secure alternative gas sources to avoid power outages and heating shortages.
Asked whether sabotage was the cause of the leak, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, “Currently, we cannot rule out any version,” Interfax reported.
“Obviously the pipe is somehow damaged.
Energy analysts said it was not clear who stood to benefit from the leak when neither line was operational. Some suspect a possible connection with the planned opening of a new gas pipeline link between
“The Nord Stream 2 leak is very close to the new Baltic pipe that will bring Norwegian gas to Poland for the first time … says Tom Marzec-Manser of energy consultancy ICIS. For gas imports, it is a new dawn for Norway and dusk for Russia.”
German authorities have canceled the approval process for node stream 2 Just days before Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February, the pipeline was being filled with gas in anticipation of its opening.
Moscow decision in early September Keep Nord Stream 1 switched off Europe’s energy markets rocked after maintenance until EU lifts sanctions Nordic ministers have warned of a potential Lehman Brothers Moment while providing billions of euros in liquidity support to utilities. Germany also nationalized Uniper, the largest importer of gas, and struggled to replace Russian supplies.
Ukraine has long opposed the Nord Stream pipeline, claiming it was designed to undermine its status as one of the main pipelines carrying Russian gas to Europe. Russian gas continues to pass through Ukraine even after Russia launched its invasion.
James Huckstepp of S&P Global Platts said the leaks have added to uncertainty in energy markets.
“By the end of the year, the chances of a Nord Stream 1 resurgence have basically dropped from 1% to 0%,” Huckstepp said. “However, concerns remain about the remaining gas flows through Ukraine and whether we will see any cuts later in the year.”
Eurasia Group’s Henning Greustein said the pipeline, which has the capacity to transport about 165 million cubic meters of gas per day, was “designed to avoid accidental damage.” pointed out that it consists of thick steel pipes coated with concrete located in the .
However, he warned:
Nord Stream, the Swiss-based pipeline operator whose majority shareholder is Russian state energy company Gazprom, said the incident was “unprecedented”, but most of the leaked methane came from water. suggested that it would dissolve in
“Incidents in three strings of two pipelines certainly don’t happen every day. said Nord Stream.
https://www.ft.com/content/85f24052-10a6-48de-8eb1-7a6f8be95759 Denmark warns of possible sabotage after Nord Stream pipeline leak