V.Putin: Two lines may not be enough for the project Nord Stream
The Russian Prime Minister V.Putin does not exclude possible construction of the third stage (a third line)of the gas pipeline Nord Stream, RIA Novosti reported.
We will build the second stage of ESPO (Eastern Siberia - Pacific Ocean); we have a huge market associated with the repair of pipes. Besides, there will be a second line of the Nord Stream, South Stream is next, or maybe another turn of Nord Stream, Prime Minister replied to the question on demand for Russian steel products in the domestic market.
The length of the Nord Stream, which will link Vyborg and German Greifswald, will be 1224 kilometers. The project consists of two lines. The discharge capacity of the first phase will amount to 27.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas per year. Pipeline’s operation time is estimated to be at least 50 years. Investments in the project are 7.4 billion euros.
The construction of the first line of Nord Stream was launched in April 2010 and, according to the plan will be completed in the IV quarter of 2011. Gas transportation through the first line of the pipeline is to start at the same time. After introduction of the second line in the IV quarter of 2012, the total discharge capacity of the pipeline will be 55 billion cubic meters per year.
Gazprom participates in the project: it owns a controlling 51% stake, German Wintershall Holding and E. ON Ruhrgas by 20% each, the Netherlands Gasunie - 9%. The French GDF Suez corporation became a Nord Stream AG shareholder in June 2010..
Translated by: Anastasia Edrenkina
