Denmark approves Nord Stream 2 on its continental shelf

- Most European countries oppose project due to concerns of increased Russian influence in Europe's gas market

The Danish Energy Agency permitted Nord Stream 2 AG to build a section of the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipeline in the Baltic Sea, the agency announced on Wednesday.

'The Danish Energy Agency has granted a permit to Nord Stream 2 AG to construct a section of the Nord Stream 2 natural gas pipelines on the Danish continental shelf southeast of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea,' the agency said in a press release.

Countries along the construction route, including Germany, Finland and Sweden, granted permits earlier.

Previously, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Poland, Denmark and Ukraine expressed their opposition to the project, arguing that it would increase the EU's dependence on Russian gas while urging that Europe instead focus on diversifying its energy resources.

The Nord Stream 2 pipeline is a 1,200-kilometer-long joint venture between Russia's Gazprom and five European companies aimed at doubling the current annual 55 billion cubic meter capacity of the Nord Stream pipeline. Its completion is set for the end of this year.

By Talha Yavuz

Anadolu Agency

energy@aa.com.tr