Canada Returns Russian Gas Pipeline Turbine to Germany... Will Gas Supply Resume?

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] Canada announced on the 9th (local time) that it will return the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline turbine to Germany. Russia recently reduced gas supply to Germany and other regions, citing the issue of non-return of gas pipeline parts as the reason. With this issue resolved, attention is focused on whether Russia will normalize gas supply.

According to Bloomberg and others on the day, Jonathan Wilkinson, Canadian Minister of Natural Resources, stated in a press release that sanctions related to the Nord Stream 1 turbine will be lifted and the turbine will be sent to Germany. Previously, Russian state-owned company Gazprom entrusted Siemens Energy in Germany with the turbine's repair, and Siemens in turn commissioned a Canadian specialized company for maintenance.

Canada has imposed sanctions to prevent critical technical services from being exported to the Russian fossil fuel industry, and the repaired turbine was also classified as a sanction target, so the turbine had not been delivered to Germany until now. As a result, Gazprom reduced the operational capacity of Nord Stream 1 by 40% in mid-last month, citing difficulties in normal pipeline operation.

Germany, which has a high dependence on Russian natural gas, has urged Canada to return the turbine. In particular, Robert Habeck, German Vice Chancellor and Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action, appealed that the turbine must be returned before the Nord Stream 1 maintenance begins on the 11th. However, the Ukrainian government lobbied Canada to continue blocking the turbine's return.

Minister Wilkinson said that after discussions with European allies and the International Energy Agency (IEA), export permits for the related parts were granted. He explained, "Without the necessary natural gas supply, the German economy would face very serious difficulties, and Germans would be at risk of being unable to heat their homes in winter." He added, "This measure will allow Europe to continue its transition away from Russian oil and gas while ensuring access to reliable and affordable energy."

Meanwhile, the Canadian government also announced new sanctions against Russia on the same day. Melanie Joly, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated, "The new sanctions will apply to land transportation and pipeline transportation, steel, transportation, computer, electronic electrical equipment, and machinery manufacturing." She further explained, "Once these measures are implemented, Canadian companies will have to terminate related services and contracts within 60 days."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.