Essen gas transporter OGE wants to build another pipeline in Wilhelmshaven

The gas transport company Open Grid Europe (OGE) is preparing to connect another LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven. This second terminal for landing liquefied natural gas is currently being discussed, said the spokesman for the OGE management, Jörg Bergmann, on Tuesday in Essen. The 26-kilometer gas pipeline between Germany's first LNG terminal, which is about to start construction, could be extended for this, said Bergmann.

If construction starts in the next few weeks, the extension could be ready by autumn 2023, he says. Lower Saxony's Energy Minister Olaf Lies (SPD), among others, is hoping for a second terminal for Wilhelmshaven.

Regarding the WAL-called "Wilhelmshaven connection line" between the European long-distance gas network and Germany's first LNG terminal, Bergmann said: "We are expecting the planning approval decision in the next few days." The laying activities will then begin immediately. The line is expected to be operational later this year.

"We work with twice as many people as usual," continued Bergmann. "But other things are left to us." You have the full support of politicians and the authorities. Processing of applications begins on the day they are received. There is also support from the population and the owners of the land through which the WAL is to run. Bergmann put the construction costs at around 200 million euros.

OGE is Germany's largest gas transmission system operator. The pipeline network of the Essen-based company covers around 12,000 kilometers. Shareholders are four financial investors. OGE has around 1500 employees.