Nord Stream pipeline has seen an increase in the annual capacity utilization provided in 2016.
In 2016, the Nord Stream pipeline operated at 80 per cent of its annual capacity of 55 billion cubic meters (bcm). 43.8 bcm of natural gas were delivered to consumers in the European Union.
This represents an increase compared to the previous years: 39.1 bcm in 2015 (71 per cent), 35.5 bcm in 2014 (65 per cent), and 23.8 bcm in 2013 (43 per cent).
Until the end of 2016, a total of 154.4 bcm has been transported to the European Union via Nord Stream pipeline.
The average utilization rate of the pipeline has constantly increased over the past years. In December 2016, the average load was as high as 87 per cent, Nord Stream explained.
The twin pipeline system through the Baltic Sea from Vyborg, Russia to Lubmin near Greifswald, Germany is the shortest connection between the vast gas reserves in Russia and energy markets in the European Union.
In Germany, the gas is transferred to the connecting pipelines OPAL and NEL.