The operator of the Nord Stream 2 (NS2) gas pipeline, Nord Stream 2 AG, has applied for a construction permit in Germany. The NS2 project is a joint venture between Gazprom, Engie, OMV AG, Royal Dutch Shell, Uniper and Wintershall. It is set to include the construction of two gas pipelines that will run from Russia, under the Baltic Sea, to Germany. The pipelines will have a total capacity of 55 billion m3/y of gas.
Implementation of the NS2 project requires permits from Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany. A public discussion of NS2’s application documentation will be held in Germany from 18 April - 17 May, Sputnik News cited the operator as stating in a press release.
Meanwhile, Lithuania has announced its support of Poland with regards to NS2. As reported by Kyiv Post: “Lithuania has joined with Poland in demanding that the European Commission revoke permission for Russian Gazprom to increase the amount of gas it ships on a branch gas pipeline in Germany fed by the Nord Stream export pipeline.”
“We support your desire to remain a transit country, and Ukraine should continue to be an important transit route for Europe. We decided to support the Polish side in the trials over the launch of NS2," the Lithuanian Prime Minister said in a joint meeting with Premiers of Latvia and Estonia and the Prime Minister of Ukraine, according to Interfax - Ukraine.