NEL pipeline


The NEL, formerly known as Norddeutsche Erdgasleitung, is a long natural gas pipeline in Germany.

Route

The pipeline runs from Lubmin near Greifswald through Sülstorf and Achim to Rehden. It connects the Nord Stream pipeline with the Rehden-Hamburg and MIDAL pipelines. The pipeline started operations on 5 November 2012. Between Sülstorf and Achim, it uses a pre-existing installation.

Technical features

The diameter of the pipeline is and it uses operating pressure. Its capacity is of natural gas per year. The pipeline is expected to cost around €1 billion.
The developer of the pipeline asked exemption from the network access and transit fees regulation; however, this request was denied.

Project company

The pipeline was built by OPAL NEL TRANSPORT GmbH. It is operated by NEL Gastransport GmbH, indirectly owned by WIGA Transport Beteiligungs-GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture of Wintershall and Gazprom.