https://edition.cnn.com/2022/09/28/energy/nord-stream-pipelines-leaks-explainer-... Gas is pouring out of the Nord Stream pipelines. Here’s what you need to know
By Rob Picheta, CNN
Updated 3:34 PM EDT, Wed September 28, 2022
That came after seismologists detected underwater explosions near the pipelines on Monday; it’s unclear if those are connected to the leaks.
Neither pipeline was transporting gas to Europe when the attacks occurred; Russia shut off gas flows through the first pipeline weeks ago, and the second was scrapped by Germany after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, just before it was due to become operational. But both still contained gas under pressure.
A large disturbance in the sea can be observed off the coast of the Danish island of Bornholm Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2022 following a series of unusual leaks on two natural gas pipelines running from Russia under the Baltic Sea to Germany have triggered concerns about possible sabotage. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen says she "cannot rule out" sabotage after three leaks were detected on Nord Stream 1 and 2. (Danish Defence Command via AP)
Leaks in Nord Stream gas pipelines likely 'sabotage,' European leaders say
Swedish Prime Minister Magdalena Andersson said in a news conference Tuesday that
the leaks were likely caused by “a deliberate action”
but “not an attack against Sweden.” Other Western countries and NATO have echoed that conclusion.
German, Danish and Scandinavian security authorities are now examining the leaks and trying to identify their cause, according to the German Economy Minister Robert Habeck, who added that Europe is able to protect its own critical infrastructure.
Authorities are keeping ships away from the area, citing the risk of leaked gas igniting over the water and in the air – but say there are few other security risks, since the leak will only affect the environment where the gas plumes are located.