Who / What
Nord Stream is a set of offshore natural gas pipelines running under the Baltic Sea from Russia to Germany. It is designed to provide Western Europe with natural gas and comprises two separate projects, Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2.
Background & History
The pipelines represent a major energy infrastructure project to transport gas directly from Russia to Germany, bypassing transit countries. The system was developed in separate phases, with Nord Stream 1 becoming operational earlier. Each project consists of two parallel pipelines, making a total of four physical pipes under the Baltic Sea.
Why Notable
It is notable for being a critical direct energy supply route from Russia to Western Europe, significantly influencing regional energy security and geopolitics. The project represented one of the world's longest subsea pipelines and a major point of cooperation and contention between Russia and the EU. Its operation and subsequent developments have had substantial economic and political ramifications.
In the News
Nord Stream has been a focal point in news due to geopolitical tensions, especially following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which led to disputes over gas supplies and sanctions. The pipelines gained further intense global attention following unexplained underwater explosions in September 2022 that caused major leaks and rendered both Nord Stream 1 and the completed Nord Stream 2 inoperable.
