Germany's energy regulator, Bundesnetzagentur (BNetzA), is not expected to decide on the certification of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline in the first half of 2022, the president of BNetzA, Jochen Homann, said Thursday.
The German regulator halted the certification of the pipeline project last month, citing its shortcomings in meeting European energy law while also demanding the formation of a German subsidiary to comply with legal requirements.
Following the announcement of the decision, Nord Stream AG also proclaimed its intention to establish a subsidiary.
Built to carry Russian gas directly to Germany, the pipeline operator, Gazprom, confirmed the completion of the pipeline construction on Sept. 10. According to Gazprom's statement, the pipeline is expected to cost in the region €10 billion.
The Nord Stream 2 will carry 55 billion cubic meters of natural gas from Russia to Germany through the Baltic Sea upon completion.
Homann noted that the process would start when the Nord Stream AG company delivers the required documents.
The project has seen much controversy with the majority of European countries objecting to its operations as it would further increase the bloc’s dependence on Russia for gas imports.
By Nuran Erkul Kaya
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr