The pipeline for the LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven is already halfway done. According to gas network operator Open Grid Europe, commissioning on December 20 is still the aim. The pipeline is also guarded around the clock to guard against any attempts at sabotage.
“We are on course with the construction of the WAL,” said project manager Franz-Josef Kissing – “WAL” stands for Wilhelmshaven connecting line. “Everyone involved in the project continues to work with concentration and motivation without interruption so that we can put the line into operation on December 20th.” According to earlier information from the state government, LNG is to be landed via the terminal from December 21st.
The underground line is necessary to connect the LNG terminal, which is also under construction, to the next connection to the long-distance gas network in Etzel, East Frisia. The pipeline construction was approved by the authorities on August 19. For some of the construction measures, there was an early start of construction at the end of June. The brisk start to construction was made possible by the Federal LNG Acceleration Act.
According to Open Grid Europe (OGE), two construction crews are currently laying the pipes and working towards each other from the north and south. In the meantime, all 1569 pipes, which were manufactured by a subsidiary of the Salzgitter steel company, have been brought to Wilhelmshaven by rail. In addition, further infrastructure is being built, such as systems to regulate and measure the gas pressure.
By importing LNG via Wilhelmshaven, Germany wants to reduce its dependence on gas supplies from Russia. The liquefied natural gas delivered is to be fed into the German grid via the pipeline after it has been converted into a gaseous state. Initially, the line will have an annual capacity of up to 10 billion cubic meters. With a further expansion of the gas network in the hinterland, up to 28 billion cubic meters are possible in the medium term, according to earlier OGE information. In the future, the pipeline should also be able to transport hydrogen. OGE is investing around 150 million euros.
Just like the construction site for the LNG terminal, the pipeline is also monitored by the police around the clock. This is a consequence of the alleged sabotage of the Nord Stream 1 and 2 gas pipelines. OGE also says it is taking security precautions.
