‘H2-ready’ pipeline from Etzel to Wardenburg: LBEG authorises EWA to start construction ahead of schedule
OGE is planning to extend the supra-regional long-distance gas transport system by building a pipeline from Etzel via Wardenburg to Drohne. The pipeline consists of the two pipeline sections from the storage facility in Etzel to the compressor station in Wardenburg (EWA) and from Wardenburg to Drohne (WAD).
In total, the pipeline measures approx. 150 kilometres and has a diameter of DN 1200 mm in the EWA pipeline section and DN 1000 mm in the WAD section. Both pipeline sections run parallel to the existing NETRA (Norddeutsche Erdgas-Transversale) pipeline or the ‘Werne-Wardenburg’ pipeline. Together, the pipelines will create the necessary transport capacity to transport the liquefied gas that arrives in Wilhelmshaven into the German natural gas pipeline network. The Etzel-Wardenburg-Drohne pipeline thus makes a significant contribution to the security of supply of natural gas in Germany and the Netherlands. The existing pipelines can no longer fully transport these large quantities of natural gas from Etzel to the downstream natural gas network. The new Etzel-Wardenburg-Drohne construction project (EWA and WAD) will secure the supra-regional supply.
Only pipes that are also certified for the transport of hydrogen are used for construction
Completion of the EWA pipeline section is planned by the end of 2026 according to the Gas Network Development Plan (NEP Gas). The preparatory work to prepare the approval documents was started at the end of 2022. The planning approval procedure is scheduled for 2024, with construction taking place from the end of 2024.
Completion of the WAD pipeline section is planned by 2027 at the latest according to the Gas NDP. The preparatory work to prepare the approval documents was started at the end of 2022. The planning approval procedure is scheduled for 2024, with construction work due to start in 2025. A separate planning approval procedure will take place for each pipeline section, for which the respective state authorities are responsible. OGE plans to commission the EWA pipeline section by the end of 2025 and the WAD section by the end of 2026.
The State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG) has now approved the early start of construction for gas supply pipeline no. 459 from Etzel to Wardenburg (EWA) (as of 3 September 2024). OGE GmbH had submitted an application for planning approval for the EWA to the LBEG.
The hydrogen-capable EWA pipeline is particularly urgent for Germany's secure gas supply. The LNG Acceleration Act also recognised the energy industry necessity and the need to guarantee the supply of gas to the general public for this pipeline. The fastest possible realisation of such projects serves the central interest in a secure and diversified gas supply in Germany and is necessary for reasons of overriding public interest and in the interests of public safety.
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