The Nord Stream pipeline transports natural gas from Russia to the European Union from November 2011 onwards. After a certain ramp-up phase, line 1 of the pipeline will transport up to 27.5 bcm per year. After completion of Line 2 in Q4 2012, capacity will be doubled to 55 bcm. This shows a great step ahead for the international energy infrastructure - no other major pipeline important pipeline will come on stream for years to come. Nord Stream is a key infrastructure project which will increase the EU’s energy security for at least 50 years. The pipeline is safe and environmentally-friendly, constructed according to stringent international and national requirements. Furthermore, Nord Stream is a long-term benchmark project for EU-Russia cooperation – it is on budget and the construction of line 2 (operational by end of 2012) is fully on track. Line 1 of the pipeline is operational since November 2011 and more than 60% of the second line has been already laid (status: December 2011). During planning and construction of the first pipeline, highest international standards have been considered. Between 2006 and 2011, 21 million project work hours have been performed – meanwhile, there have been just 46 lost incidents and zero fatalities. Nord Stream is planned to operate safely for 50 years. Therefore, Nord Stream takes care that the pipeline is monitored 24 hours, 7 days a week – 365 days a year. Reliable and safe gas transportation is guaranteed with the following measurements:

• Online data transfer from and to both landfall facilities
• Continuous evaluation of data with SCADA system
• Monitoring of the gas flow to detect possible damage, prevent over-pressurisation and fulfil contractual gas transportation requirements
• Regular inspection of landfalls (Testing and repair of telecommunication systems, power supply system, fire and gas detection system and security system)
• Testing of valves separating onshore sections from the offshore part of the pipeline
• Scheduled maintenance activities
• In case of an emergency, gas transportation can be interrupted in less than one minute