Nord Stream 2 operator begun filling the pipeline with gas for the 1st time

Moscow, October 5 - Neftegaz.RU. As of October 4, the gas-in procedure for the 1^st string of the controversial Nord Stream 2 pipeline has started, despite long-standing opposition from the U.S. and many Eastern European countries.

This string will be gradually filled to build the required inventory and pressure as a prerequisite for the later technical tests.
Nord Stream 2 AG said in a statement:

• Previously, the 1^st string of the pipeline underwent pre-commissioning activities to assure the pipeline integrity
• This included the internal inspection by special devices (pipeline inspection gauges), as well as external visual and instrumental surveys of the pipeline

The injection of natural gas, however, does not indicate the network is formally in service.
The German regulator Bundesnetzagentur has 4 months to complete a certification of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline.
Pre-commissioning steps for the 2^nd string are ongoing.

On 4 October, the Danish Energy Agency has accepted that pipeline B can be put into operation, because Nord Stream 2 AG has fulfilled relevant conditions including conditions concerning certification.

According to the Russian government, the commissioning of the pipeline could help to address the current shortfall in European gas supplies, natural gas reserves are at a low level there and energy prices are surging.
European gas prices have broken records this year, edging close to an unprecedented $1,000 per 1000 m^3.

The natural gas pipeline starts in Russia and passes through Finnish, Swedish, Danish and German marine areas and goes ashore at the German coast.
The pipelines can transport 55 billion m³ of gas per year.
Nord Stream 2 is a joint venture of Gazprom, Shell, OMV, Engie, Uniper and Wintershall.