The final component of the ZEELINK project, the compressor station in Legden, Münsterland, went into operation on August 14.
Compressor stations are essential for the transportation of gases over long distances. The ZEELINK is an important long-distance gas pipeline for supply security in North Rhine-Westphalia. It runs from the Belgian-German border near Lichtenbusch to Sankt Hubert near Krefeld and on to Legden.
At the invitation of the two project partners OGE and Thyssengas, Nathanael Liminski, Minister for Federal and European Affairs and Media of the state of North Rhine-Westphalia, attended the commissioning of the compressor station with a drive capacity of 2x 13 MW.
“The ZEELINK Legden compressor station will play an important role in the stable and reliable supply of our customers. This applies in the context of changing transport routes from North-West Europe as well as for the upcoming conversion of the transport networks to hydrogen. With ZEELINK, OGE and Thyssengas have created an elementary energy connection. It ensures that the energy is in the right place at the right time - natural gas today and hydrogen in the future,” said Dr. Thomas Hüwener, CEO of OGE.
Dr. Thomas Gößmann, CEO of Thyssengas, added: “Modern and future-oriented plants like the one here in Legden still fascinate me as an engineer even after so many years in the industry. Innovation is part of FNB's business model. We are talking about an ultra-modern pipeline system that is absolutely future-proof. This reliability is an essential component of an increasingly green gas infrastructure and therefore also the backbone of the energy transition.”
Minister for Europe on site during commissioning
During the official commissioning, NRW Minister Nathanael Liminski was able to gain a comprehensive overview of the plant, which was completed on schedule. One of its impressive features is its particularly energy-efficient technology, which makes complex exhaust gas aftertreatment obsolete.
Europe Minister Nathanael Liminski: “North Rhine-Westphalia is making steady progress towards becoming the first climate-neutral industrial region in Europe. The ZEELINK project is of central importance for this: this pipeline ensures North Rhine-Westphalia's connection to the Belgian LNG and, in future, hydrogen import centers. The Legden compressor station is the final technical component of the ZEELINK project for smooth and reliable natural gas transportation. The commissioning of the Legden compressor station will make a significant contribution to the security of our country's energy supply.”
