Gas crisis: Scholz inspects Nord Stream 1 turbine – “Blow up Putin’s bluff”
Created: 03/08/2022 09:39
By: Patricia Huber
A turbine has become a symbol of the dispute over gas supplies from Russia to Germany.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz inspects the important component on Wednesday.
Update from August 3, 9:37 a.m .:
During his visit to the Nord Stream 1 turbine, Chancellor Olaf Scholz explained that nothing stood in the way of the turbine being transported further.
Only Russia would still have to approve the delivery.
He describes the situation as "clear and simple".
However, there could always be reasons put forward by Russia as to why the transport is not working.
After all, there are no technical reasons for the further delay.
First report from August 3, 9:31 a.m .:
Berlin/Mülheim an der Ruhr/Montreal – In the gas dispute with Russia, Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) wants to visit the turbine for the Nord Stream 1 pipeline on Wednesday, which is on the way from Canada to Russia temporarily stored in Mülheim an der Ruhr.
This was announced by the energy technology group Siemens Energy on Tuesday.
The turbine is ready for onward transport to Russia, it said.
Gas crisis: Delivery of the turbine by Canada as a "strong sign"
In an interview with the Canadian newspaper
The Globe and Mail
, Scholz defended the delivery, which is controversial because of the circumvention of sanctions.
"By delivering the turbine, we blew up Putin's bluff," he said.
"He can no longer use this pretext and no longer bring up technical reasons for the lack of gas deliveries."
Scholz defended Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was under pressure because of the turbine deliveries.
"For me, the criticism of Justin Trudeau and his government is completely unfounded," he said.
"The decision to supply the turbine is hardly a favor to Gazprom, but rather a strong sign of support for Germany and Europe."
Gazprom justification: Turbine as reason for throttled gas supply
Since June, Russia has cut back gas supplies via Nord Stream 1.
The energy company Gazprom justified this with the missing turbine.
According to the Russian energy company Gazprom, it is important in order to build up the pressure required to pump the gas through.
Gazprom has repeatedly accused its contractual partner Siemens Energy of not having sent the necessary documents and information to repair the machine.
Siemens Energy had denied Gazprom's allegations.
According to the Kremlin, Russia is hoping for a speedy return of the repaired gas turbine in view of the reduced gas supplies through the pipeline.
According to Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck, she has been in Germany since July 18.
(dpa/ph)
