Nogat operates a gas pipeline network in the North Sea. The company is taking the next step towards developing the first direct gas connection between the Netherlands and Norway.
Nogat, which stands for Northern Offshore Gas Transportation, manages and operates gas infrastructure in the North Sea and transports natural gas to the Dutch coast. The company said its Dutch pipeline network can be linked to Norway’s gas infrastructure through a relatively limited expansion of an existing undersea pipeline.
“One-third of Europe’s gas imports come from the Norwegian North Sea. This is less polluting than LNG imports and reduces our dependence on regions such as the United States and the Middle East,” Director Falco van Wissen said. At present, natural gas enters the Netherlands through pipelines from countries including Germany and Belgium.
New phase
The project is now entering a new phase following a successful feasibility study. During this stage, the planned transport capacity of the connection will be refined further. Other technical and economic aspects of the project will also be examined in greater detail.
Nogat is also starting the permitting process. This will take place in Germany because the connection will be located in German waters.
The planned link between the Netherlands and Norway would have a capacity of more than 4 billion cubic metres of gas per year. That is equal to about 15% of total Dutch gas demand.
In the coming months, the parties involved expect to gain more clarity about the required budget. They will also assess any technical or operational challenges. They aim to make an investment decision by the middle of next year. Nogat’s shareholders include state-owned Energie Beheer Nederland and pension administrator PGGM.
@anp | NEWS BRAINPORT
