MOSCOW (Sputnik) – The Nord Stream-2 gas pipeline project has every chance to be successful, it is necessary to explain to partner states that it seeks to promote the development of energy market and is not directed against anyone, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday.
"As far as our plans are concerned, including in the Nord Stream 2 project which you mentioned, it has every chance to be successful, of course. I always emphasize that this is purely a commercial project. It is surely linked to rising gas consumption in Europe to 510 billion cubic meters annually and falling output in European countries, including in the north of Europe," Putin said at a meeting with the Royal Dutch Shell CEO.
He noted that this position should be clarified. According to the president, Europe can get energy from other sources, but the main issues are competitiveness, logistics and costs.
"It is necessary, I think, just to conduct a dialogue with all our partners patiently and benevolently," Putin summed up.
The Nord Stream 2 project presumes the construction of two gas pipelines with a combined annual capacity of 55 billion cubic meters of gas. The new pipeline is planned to be laid along Nord Stream pipeline route from the Russian coast through the Baltic Sea to a hub in Germany. The launch of the pipeline is scheduled for 2017. Shell, Engie, OMV, Uniper and Wintershall are Gazprom's partners on the project.
