The pipes at the landing facility of the “Nord Stream 1” gas pipeline were shot in Lubmin, Germany. (Reuters / Hannibal Hanshke // File photo)
Ottawa / Frankfurt: Canada could return the repaired turbines needed for the Nordstream 1 gas pipeline to Germany to help ensure a continuous flow of energy until Europe ends its dependence on Russia’s gas. Said the Minister of Natural Resources of Canada.
The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision was equivalent to adjusting the sanctions imposed on Moscow “on the whim of Russia” and called for it to be revoked.
The Canadian government said in a statement on Saturday that it had issued a “time-limited and revocable permit” to exempt the return of turbines from Russian sanctions, a new response to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24. Also announced the measures.
Russia cited the delay in the return of turbines serviced by Germany’s Siemens Energy in Canada last month as the reason why the flow through the Nord Stream 1 gas pipeline from Russia to Germany has dropped to 40% of its capacity. ..
The Government of Canada said shipping equipment to Europe would support “Europe’s ability to access reliable and affordable energy as Russia continues its transition from oil and gas.”
It was not clear how long it would take for the turbine to return.
Siemens Energy said in a statement on Sunday that it is working to bring the turbines to the Nord Stream pipeline as soon as possible.
The Kremlin on Friday said it would increase its gas supply to Europe if the turbines were returned.
Canada said it would extend sanctions on Russia’s energy sector to include industrial production, in addition to a special permit for turbines.
Canada’s new sanctions “apply to land and pipeline transportation, metal manufacturing, transportation, computers, electronic and electrical equipment, and machinery manufacturing,” he said.
A German government spokesperson said Germany welcomed “decisions on Canadian friends and allies.”
“Canada is unwavering to support Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity … Canada will not forgive pressure on the Russian government,” Canada’s Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said in a statement on Saturday.
