German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. File photoBERLIN, 4 Sep Germany has been searching since December last year for answers to the question of what would happen if Russian gas supplies were cut off, and by preparing ahead of time, it would be able to overcome the current difficulties, says German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. «Since December last year, with the Minister of Economics and a consultant to the Chancellor's office, we have been looking for answers to the question of what will happen if this happens,» Scholz said at a joint press conference with the chairmen of the SPD, the FDP and the Greens. , commenting on the non-resumption of gas supplies via Nord Stream 1. Communication with the media was broadcast live by the Phoenix TV channel. According to the Chancellor, it is precisely because Germany began to prepare for this in advance that the country will be able to overcome difficulties. He also recalled that Germany was actively replenishing its gas storage facilities, their filling will continue next winter, Scholz added. Gazprom this week reported that Nord Stream, which was previously stopped for three days for scheduled maintenance, could not resume work from — for an oil leak at the only working Trent 60 unit. A representative of the German Siemens Energy told RIA Novosti that the company does not consider Gazprom's conclusion a technical reason for stopping the Nord Stream gas pipeline since mid-June, it has been working with restrictions, and since the end of July — only by 20% of almost 170 million cubic meters of capacity per day. The Russian side emphasized that the decrease in supplies was due solely to sanctions, which caused problems with the maintenance and repair of Siemens gas pumping units. Lately, only one turbine has provided power.
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