Scholz went to Canada to look for an alternative to Russian gas

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Vice Chancellor, Economics Minister Robert Habeck arrived in Canada on August 21. Scholz said he intends to negotiate the supply of an energy carrier that will replace Russian gas. About it informs DPA agency. The German chancellor noted that Berlin is going to actively cooperate with Canada on energy issues. In addition, the leaders of the countries will discuss the supply of liquefied natural gas (LNG) to Germany, as well as nickel, cobalt, lithium and graphite, which are needed for the production of batteries, writes DPA.

Already this winter, Germany may face a serious energy crisis due to a possible reduction in Russian gas supplies by Gazprom. Earlier today, Habek said that the country has every chance to survive the winter without resorting to drastic measures. He clarified that the people of Germany should prepare for the fact that Russia will further reduce gas supplies. In the end of August “Gazprom” said that he would stop for three days the only gas compressor unit that operates at the Portovaya compressor station (CS). The solution is related to maintenance and preventive maintenance.

The agency clarifies that Scholz and Habek will first stop in Montreal, where they will meet with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. During the visit, which will last until August 23, Scholz and Habek will also visit Quebec, Toronto, Ontario and other Canadian cities. In addition to energy, politicians also intend to discuss economic, political and military support for Ukraine, DPA reports.

In mid-June “Gazprom» reduced the volume of supplies via Nord Stream to 40%, because Siemens did not return the turbine in time after repair in Canada. As a result of negotiations with Germany, Canada decided to transfer the turbine to Russia and sent it to Germany. Also Siemens handed over to Gazprom an export license from Canada for the export of equipment. From July 22, deliveries through the pipeline were reduced by another 20%, as Gazprom decommissioned another gas turbine engine at the Portovaya compressor station. The company explained that the equipment has expired the time between overhauls before overhaul.

In response to the statements of the German authorities about the readiness of the turbine for shipment to Russia, Gazprom noted that they could not deliver the equipment due to the sanctions of the EU, Canada and the UK. Presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that the company is waiting for documents from Western countries that the turbine is not subject to sanctions.

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