The proposed direct gas pipeline connecting Norway and the Netherlands is advancing following the completion of a successful feasibility study. North Sea pipeline operator Nogat is now set to focus on refining critical aspects of the project, such as determining its transport capacity. This new pipeline aims to create an additional channel for Norwegian gas, enhancing the security of supply in the event of disruptions to existing pipeline networks.
Scheduled for operational commencement in 2029, the pipeline is designed to transport over 4 billion cubic metres of gas annually, which would account for approximately 15% of the Netherlands’ total gas consumption. Nogat highlights the importance of this infrastructure development against the backdrop of decreasing domestic energy production and Europe’s strategic objective to lessen its reliance on suppliers from geopolitically unstable regions.
According to Nogat, the integration of the new pipeline with their existing gas system should be relatively straightforward, due to the connectivity with the Norwegian offshore pipeline infrastructure. Nogat Director Falco van Wissen pointed out that Norwegian gas already constitutes about one-third of Europe’s gas imports and is considered a cleaner alternative compared to LNG imports.
The involved parties anticipate making decisions regarding the remaining financial investments required for the project’s completion by the middle of the next year. This decision-making process is crucial to advancing the project within the established timeline, ensuring that the pipeline can begin operations as planned.