Siemens Denies Gazprom's Claims About Nord Stream Pipeline Shutdown

Siemens Energy has questioned Gazprom's claims that the Nord Stream 1 pipeline was shut down due to faulty equipment (Siemens). Siemens told a media firm that it did not "comprehend" Gazprom's decision to halt flows on the key pipeline into Germany.

The Kremlin-backed gas giant had blamed the shutdown on an engine oil leak at the Portovaya compressor station's last turbine. It was already operating at 20% capacity, with Russia cutting flows twice since the previous maintenance in July. Siemens, on the other hand, suggested that an engine oil leak was an insufficient reason to shut down Nord Stream 1.

“We cannot comprehend this new representation based on the information provided to us over the weekend. Therefore, until further notice, our assessment is that the finding communicated to us does not represent a technical reason for stopping operation. Such leaks do not normally affect the operation of a turbine and can be sealed on site.” the company stated. 

Meanwhile, France has pledged to send gas to Germany if necessary, according to President Emmanuel Macron. He also stated that Germany is prepared to supply it with electricity and that Europe will stand united in the face of an energy crisis exacerbated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The necessary conditions for France to deliver gas to Germany when needed would be finalized in the coming weeks – with Nord Stream 1 increasingly unlikely to come back online. Macron has warned that France, which has long been a net exporter of electricity, will require assistance from its allies due to technical issues with its nuclear fleet.