Nord Stream 2, TurkStream on track: Gazprom

By Murat Temizer

ANKARA (AA) - The TurkStream and Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline projects are being implemented according to plan, Alexander Medvedev, Gazprom's deputy chairman said on Tuesday.

Medvedev told European Gas Conference officials in an interview prior to the European Gas Conference, which will run from Jan. 28 until Jan. 30 in Vienna, that at the end of 2018 Gazprom completed the TurkStream’s offshore section in the Black Sea, and confirmed that pipeline construction entered its final stage.

"In late 2019, the pipeline will be brought into operation to ensure gas supplies for Turkey as well as countries of southeastern Europe," he said.

Medvedev also declared that pipelaying is ongoing for the Nord Stream 2 in the Baltic Sea.

The Nord Stream 2 is a 1,230 kilometer-long pipeline project that plans to carry 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year, enough to supply 26 million European households.

"To date, a total of more than 300 kilometers of pipes have been laid - mainly in the coastal area of Germany, its territorial waters and exclusive economic zone, as well as in the exclusive economic zone of Finland. We assume that the Nord Stream 2 will be commissioned at the end of 2019," he said.

The TurkStream will carry 31.5 billion cubic meters of Russian gas to Turkey and Europe with two lines. The first line, with a capacity of 15.75 billion cubic meters, will serve Turkey and the other line will provide gas to Europe via Turkey.

-Gas to play key role in future energy transition

Gazprom's top official said natural gas can and must play a key role in Europe’s shift to a low-carbon economy.

"Gazprom has presented its vision of how natural gas can contribute to European climate neutrality by 2050. Natural gas can substitute coal in power generation and oil products in transportation. Thus, Europe is able to meet 2020 climate targets," he said.

In addition, Medvedev hailed hydrogen as a new technological solution to support Europe's climate commitments.

"The use of methane-hydrogen fuel in energy and transport without costly infrastructural changes will result in 25-35 percent emissions reduction, thus allowing Europe to achieve 2030 climate goals. Finally, a full-scale transition to hydrogen from methane offers the feasibility of the EU’s challenging 2050 targets," Medvedev noted.

He added that along with partners from the gas industry, Gazprom is ready to provide the continent with natural gas and new technologically-intensive forms of energy like hydrogen, which he considers as "important in getting the gears of the European economy moving towards a carbon neutral future."