Increase in Nord Stream Gas Delivery

In 2016, the Nord Stream Pipeline operated at 80 percent of its annual capacity of 55 billion cubic metres (bcm). Of that, 43.8 bcm of natural gas were delivered to consumers in the European Union. This is an increase compared to the previous years: 39.1 bcm in 2015 (71 percent), 35.5 bcm in 2014 (65 percent), and 23.8 bcm in 2013 (43 percent).

In the five years since the start of operations of the pipeline system, Nord Stream has fulfilled all transport nominations without interruptions. Until the end of 2016, a total of 154.4 bcm has been transported to the European Union.

The average utilisation rate of the pipeline has constantly increased over the past years. In December 2016, the average load was as high as 87 percent.

The twin pipeline system through the Baltic Sea from Vyborg, Russia, to Lubmin near Greifswald, Germany, is the shortest connection between the vast gas reserves in Russia and energy markets in the European Union. In Germany, the gas is transferred to the connecting pipelines OPAL and NEL. 

The Nord Stream route crosses the Exclusive Economic Zones of Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark and Germany, as well as the territorial waters of Russia, Denmark, and Germany.

The Nord Stream pipelines were built and are operated by Nord Stream AG.

Gazprom’s total gas exports to Europe hit an all-time high for the gas industry in 2016, totalling 179.3 bcm. Compared to 2015, it is an increase of 12.5 percent, or 19.9 billion cubic meters in absolute terms, which is commensurate with the volumes delivered to the U.K. last year, namely 17.8 billion cubic meters.