The Minister-President of the German state Saxony, Michael Kretschmer, is calling for urgent repairs to the Nord Stream 1 natural gas pipeline that connects Germany to Russia, after it was severely damaged in an explosion last September.

Kretschmer emphasized in an interview with Germany’s WirtschaftsWoche magazine that if not addressed promptly, seawater infiltration could lead to irreparable damage.

He went on to highlight the long-term importance of the infrastructure, noting it could “secure our energy supply in five or ten years.” He expressed that repairing the pipeline — draining the water, sealing it, and ensuring its safety— is a logical and necessary step, especially in the face of future geopolitical uncertainty. “Keeping as many options open for yourself as possible would be a sign of a smart politician,” he added.

Previously, in June, Economy Minister Robert Habeck had voiced concerns about potential disruptions to Germany’s industrial capacity if Russian gas deliveries through Ukraine are halted. Indeed, given the ongoing conflict in eastern Europe, there’s increasing uncertainty regarding the renewal of a gas transit contract between Ukraine and Russia, which is due to expire in 2024.

Despite Germany itself curtailing its dependence on Russian energy imports, other EU nations, including Austria, Slovakia, Italy, and Hungary, remain heavily reliant on gas from the former Soviet Union. In case of supply disruptions from Russia, Germany would be bound by the EU’s gas-sharing regulations to support these countries, which could further strain its domestic industrial consumers.

Last September, explosions devastated the Nord Stream 1 pipeline and part of the Nord Stream 2 near Denmark’s Bornholm island. In February, veteran US journalist Seymour Hersh alleged Washington’s involvement in the sabotage, while German media later speculated about the Ukrainian secret service’s potential role in the incident.

Information for this briefing was found via WirtschaftsWoche and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to this organization. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.