Düsseldorf-based transmission system operator Fluxys Deutschland GmbH has acquired a 25 % stake in the Baltic Sea Link Pipeline (OAL) from Gascade Gastransport GmbH, as announced on 8 April. As a result, the associated transport capacities will be marketed independently by Fluxys Deutschland in future.
„The project fits perfectly into our ambitious strategy“, says Friedrich Rosenstock, Managing Director of Fluxys Deutschland. „We see the investment as a further building block to ensure a secure energy supply and to build a multi-molecular infrastructure for a climate-neutral future together with proven partners.“
The OAL pipeline, which is around 50 kilometres long, will connect the LNG terminal in the port of Mukran on Rügen and Lubmin near Greifswald with each other and also with the local long-distance pipeline network.
„By feeding regasified LNG into the gas grid, OAL strengthens security of supply in the short term“, says Gascade Managing Director Ulrich Benterbusch. „In the medium term, it is possible to convert OAL to the transport of hydrogen“, he adds.
Several pipeline systems could guarantee European security of supply
The Managing Director and CEO of parent company Fluxys, Pascal De Buck, says: „Tapping into as many energy sources as possible is key to the security of energy supply in Germany and Europe today and in the future. Our partnership with OAL is a new step in Fluxys' long-standing focus on future-proofing infrastructure to maximise the diversity of supply options.“
In addition to Fluxys Deutschland, Gascade is already one of the co-owners of the North European Gas Pipeline (NEL) and the European Gas Pipeline Link (EUGAL). Both pipelines also begin in Lubmin.
NEL, EUGAL and OAL jointly contribute to European security of supply. In future, it would be possible to provide substantial transport capacities from Lubmin via the three pipeline systems and transport gas from the north-east coast to the German consumption centres as well as to neighbouring European countries.
The OAL is intended to make an important contribution to climate neutrality, with the Lubmin site, the OAL's exit point, also playing a central role in the development of the German hydrogen network.
As part of the „Flow – making hydrogen happen“ project, green H2 produced or landed in and around the Baltic Sea is to be transported from Lubmin to industrial centres of consumption in eastern Germany, to southern Hesse and to Baden-Württemberg.
(Quelle: Gascade)
