Nord Stream Pipeline Records Highest Utilization
The pipeline is lowered to its designated place on the seabed. Photo: Nord StreamNord Stream has recorded the highest utilization of the Nord Stream pipeline system since the start of operation.
In 2017, the Nord Stream pipeline delivered 51 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas to consumers in the European Union. This means the pipeline system operated at 93 per cent of its annual design capacity of 55 bcm.
Overall, the average utilization rate of the pipeline has constantly increased year after year. In the first years of operation the pipelines’ capacity was gradually ramped up, from 0.66 bcm which were transported in 2011, to 11.5 bcm in 2012 (equaling 33 per cent of the capacity), 23.8 bcm in 2013 (43 per cent), 35.5 bcm in 2014 (65 per cent) 39.1 bcm in 2015 (71 per cent), 43.8 bcm in 2016 (80 per cent), and now 51 bcm (93 per cent).
The twin pipeline system through the Baltic Sea with a length of about 1,200 kilometers stretches from Vyborg, Russia to Lubmin near Greifswald, Germany.
It offers the shortest connection between the gas reserves in Russia and energy markets in the European Union.
