News

29.08.2011
NEL pipeline: Preparations started in response to rulings by Lüneburg Higher Administrative Court

Due to Lüneburg Higher Administrative Court's rulings of 29 June 2011, the planning decision previously granted cannot be executed for the time being on certain sections of the NEL pipeline (Norddeutsche Erdgasleitung). Against this background, all options are currently being examined to see how the pipeline sections affected can be continued. This includes the possibility of rerouting.

In accordance with Section 44 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), various preparations are needed so that an application for any planning extension or amendment procedure can be filed. In particular, such preparations include surveying, geological and hydrological soil studies and ecological mapping, all of which are to be started as soon as possible. The preparations will be completed by late 2011. These preparations do not constitute a decision on NEL's future design.

Work in the respective boroughs and districts can also be carried out by subcontractors hired by E.ON Ruhrgas. They have been instructed to exercise extreme care when entering properties, where necessary. Compensation will be provided for any direct pecuniary loss, especially damage to crops, caused by this preparatory work.

NEL is a pipeline of great European interest. Starting at Lubmin in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and ending at Rehden in Lower Saxony, it is designed – like the OPAL pipeline (Ostsee-Pipeline-Anbindungs-Leitung) – to link Nord Stream, the pipeline across the Baltic, to the European transmission system.

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