Analysis

Denmark finally approves Nord Stream 2

Denmark has granted approval for the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to pass through its territorial waters. The pipeline, which is nearing completion, will run for 146 kilometres through the Danish Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) south-east of Bornholm.

The Danish section of the pipeline will be built with pipes currently stored in Mukran, on the German island of Rügen.

“We are pleased to have obtained Denmark’s consent to construct the Nord Stream 2 pipeline through the Danish continental shelf area,” commented Samira Kiefer Andersson, permitting manager Denmark at Nord Stream 2 AG. “We will continue the constructive cooperation with Danish authorities to complete the construction of the pipeline.”

After having filed three applications in April 2017, August 2018, and April 2019, preparatory works, such as the installation of concrete mattresses and rock placement for the crossing of existing infrastructure, will start in the coming weeks.

So far, more than 2,100 km of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline have been laid, with construction completed in Russian, Finnish and Swedish waters, and for the most part in German waters. The entire pipeline is expected to be finished by early 2020. It will deliver 55 billion cubic metres of natural gas each year.

Earlier this week, the Danish Energy Agency also signed off the construction of the Baltic Pipe, a project which will allow the transport of gas from Norway to the Danish and Polish markets, as well as to end-users in neighbouring countries.