OGE plans pipeline link for Wilhelmshaven LNG terminal

 

Open Grid Europe (OGE) plans to build a 30km LNG link from a planned terminal at the North Sea port of Wilhelmshaven by the end of the year. 

The link will run from Wilhelmshaven to NETRA, a long-distance pipeline taking gas further south and east, reaching NETRA at a point near the Etzel underground storage facility.

Germany aims to fast-track development of LNG infrastructure to cope with a shift away from Russian gas since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow describes as a "special military operation". 

"The planned gas infrastructure in the Wilhelmshaven region secures a reliable and affordable gas supply from other sources and thus serves social peace and security of supply in Germany," said Thomas Huewener, OGE's technical director. 

OGE is Germany's biggest pipeline network operator and key player in the countries shift away from Russia.

The pipeline is expected to have initial capacity of 10 Bm³, potentially increasing to 28 Bm³ with further expansion of the network over the next few years, according to OGE. 

Germany has yet to establish an LNG terminal but three projects are under discussion. 

Companies and policymakers pushing for fixed onshore terminals in northern Germany are also discussing whether floating LNG storage platforms could be used until permanent terminals are built. 

The line planned by OGE would also be designed in such a way to allow transportation of so-called green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy. 

Australian investor Macquarie holds a 24% stake in OGE, with other shares owned by infrastructure and state funds and Munich Re.

(Reporting by Vera Eckert Editing by David Goodman)

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