Nord Stream pipeline will benefit chemical producers

Construction of the E8.8bn Nord Stream gas pipeline from Russia into Germany officially began last week. This should be good news for European chemical manufacturers who rely on natural gas as a feedstock, or for those planning to introduce more flexible feedstocks to their manufacturing capability.

The gas, available from 2011/12, should bring more choice to for heavy energy users, such as chemical manufacturers, in Europe. As European fields such as those in the North Sea decline we have become more reliant on imports. The move should make talk of gas shortages a thing of the past. According to the Guardian, Gazprom hopes to boost its market share from 25% to around 33%. 

Click here for a useful factsheet about the Nord Stream pipeline.

Here is an excellent map portal for the project.