The Nord Stream pipeline leak is polluting as much as a third of Denmark

A leak in the Nord Stream gas pipeline, which pumps huge amounts of natural gas across the bottom of the Baltic Sea, could emit pollution equal to one third of Denmark's total annual greenhouse gas emissions, warned today the head of the Danish Energy Agency, Kristofer Bocau.

Bocau stated that the gas leakage from the North Stream 1 and 2 pipelines amounts to approximately 32 percent of Denmark's annual carbon dioxide emissions. Denmark's CO2 emissions in 2020 are estimated to have been 45 million tons.

"As long as there's gas in the pipeline, it's dangerous to be there," Botcauv said.

He did not say when he would be able to dive there to see the condition of the pipes, which he said were made of 12-centimeter-thick steel and encased in concrete.

The pipelines lie relatively shallow on the seabed, at a depth of 70 to 90 meters, from where the gas boils and emerges to the surface.

Seismologists said on Tuesday that explosions were registered in the Baltic Sea and that an unusual leak from two undersea gas pipelines was subsequently discovered.

Sabotage is suspected, and some European officials and energy experts say Russia is likely to blame because it directly benefits from higher energy prices and economic concerns across Europe. Moscow denies this.

Leaks from one Nord Stream 1 pipe and Nord Stream 2 pipe are within the Danish economic zone, while the other leaking Nord Stream 1 pipe is in the Swedish zone.