Germany’s regulator does not exempt N Stream-2 from EU directive

BERLIN, May 15 (PRIME) -- Germany's Federal Network Agency (BNA) has turned down an application of Nord Stream 2 AG to exempt the gas pipeline project Nord Stream-2 from the rules of the new E.U. gas directive, as seen by PRIME in the BNA’s decision on Friday.

“On May 15, the seventh ruling chamber turned down Nord Stream 2 AG’s application for exemption of part of the Nord Stream-2 project, lying in Germany’s sovereign waters, from regulation (in line with the directive),” the document read.

The decision can be challenged within a month, BNA also said.

A representative of Nord Stream 2 AG told PRIME that the company will consider the decision of the German regulator and possible actions to protect the project’s rights.

The Nord Stream-2 project envisages construction of two lines of a natural gas pipeline with an annual capacity of up to 55 billion cubic meters, running from the Russian shore to Germany under the Baltic Sea. Russian gas giant Gazprom is implementing the project together with Germany’s E.ON and BASF, Royal Dutch Shell, Austria’s OMV, and France’s Engie.

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