Natural Gas Supply: No Need for Another Baltic Sea Pipeline - DIW

The planned construction of a second Baltic Sea natural gas pipeline from Russia to Germany, known as Nord Stream 2, is not necessary to secure natural gas supplies for Germany and Europe, according to a study by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin). “The energy consumption forecasts on which the project is based, especially the EU Reference Scenario, significantly overestimate natural gas demand in Germany and Europe,” DIW says. Furthermore, there will be no supply gap if Nord Stream 2 is not built, it adds, pointing out that various profitability studies suggest that high losses in the billions can be expected from the project. It also remains unclear to what extent Nord Stream 2 would lead to higher prices for natural gas customers in Germany.

Read the DIW press release in English here and the full report in English here.

Read a CLEW dossier on the role of natural gas in the energy transition here and the interview Biggest German gas grid operator sees role in renewable energy future.