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Securing supply and a better connection for the region

Demand for gas transmission capacity in Baden-Württemberg is steadily rising. And we are reacting to this trend by developing our gas transmission system in line with demand.

For Baden-Württemberg, the Gas Network Development Plan (German: NEP Gas) plans to connect the Ludwigsburg/Enzkreis region to the "Schwaben pipeline" gas transmission system.

Through the Neckarenztal pipeline, we can sustainably increase the security of supply in Baden-Württemberg and in particular in the Ludwigsburg/Enzkreis region for both gas and electricity – also at peak load times.

In addition to this, connection to the west European transmission system via Trans Europa Naturgas Pipeline (TENP) is secured and improved by connecting to the Nordschwarzwald pipeline. Construction of the Neckarenztal pipeline began near the community of Wiernsheim at the beginning of March 2022 and will be continued eastwards via Eberdingen, Vaihingen a. d. Enz, Oberriexingen, Sachsenheim and Bietigheim-Bissingen to south of Löchgau. The new pipeline was put into operation in December 2022. Work to restore areas is scheduled for completion at the end of 2023.

Neckarenztal pipeline

More accurate maps and pipeline route can be found in the download section.

To the downloads

Current information about the recovery work

terranets bw complies with all legal and official stipulations regarding environmental protection and avoiding or minimising the impact of construction on citizens as well as the farming industry.
Impairments related to pipeline construction cannot, however, be totally avoided, including temporary closure of paths and access roads. Closures are kept to as short as possible and normally last only a few hours.
Small-scale diversions are provided by terranets bw.

Parallel to the construction of the pipeline in 2022, terranets bw began recultivation work, which was almost completed before the winter break on areas between WIernsheim and south of the Eichwald industrial estate.
Since the beginning of March 2023, terranets bw has continued to work on the restoration of areas and has, for example, carried out asphalt work on paths. 
This work will continue in the next months.

 

Current timeline

February 2023

Newsletter "Neues von der NET"
(Content: terranets bw celebrates the commissioning of the pipeline)

18. January 2023

terranets bw celebrates commissioning of NET
Together with Thekla Walker, Minister for the Environment, Climate and Energy Industry in Baden-Württemberg, Member of the State Parliament, and Dirk Güsewell, Chairman of the Supervisory Board of terranets bw and Executive Board Member of EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, terranets bw celebrates the commissioning of the NET. 
To the press release

December 2022

Commissioning of the pipeline
The pipeline will be used for gas transport from now on.
To the press release​​​​​​​

 

November 2022

Newsletter "Neues von der NET" 
(Content: Preparatory for commissioning; in a conversation with Dr. Dietmar Müller, expert at TÜV Süd)

September 2022

Newsletter "Neues von der NET" 
(Content: Extraordinary Construction) 

On-site visit at the "Neckarenztal pipeline (NET)"

terranets bw provides an insight into the work to restore used areas after the pipeline construction.

After a construction period of around nine months, terranets bw officially put the NET into operation.

Tag der offenen Baustelle

On 9 July 2022, a "Construction Site Open Day" in Sachsenheim gave numerous interested people the opportunity to visit the NET construction site and inform themselves about the infrastructure project.

Get an insight into how the protection of lizards is ensured during the construction of the "NET".

Groundbreaking ceremony for NET

Groundbreaking ceremony for the new gas pipeline "Neckarenztal pipeline (NET)" in March 2022 near Wiernsheim

Newsletter for the Neckarenztal pipeline

We are happy to inform you about current project progress in our newsletter "Neues von der NET" (News about the NET). In the various sections, you can also meet the project team and Neckarenztal pipeline planners.

Subscribe now 

Project overview

winter 2022

After commissioning, terranets bw uses the pipeline for gas transmission.

spring 2022

On receipt of the planning permission decision and all pipeline rights, terranets bw begins constructing the pipeline.

autumn 2021

terranets bw carries out further preparatory measures for constructing the pipeline, such as erecting pipe storage places and archeological excavations. 
cf. presse information of 23.09.2021

autumn 2020

terranets bw begins preparing for pipeline construction with, for example, wildlife conservation and archeological surveys. 

2019/2020

Acquisition of pipeline rights
terranets bw agrees on pipeline rights with affected land owners and farmers.
(cf. What rights and obligations does terranets bw have when using land plots?)

Data and facts

28 km
pipeline length
50 cm
pipe diameter
80 bar
pipeline operating pressure
10 m
Protective strip
along the pipeline

Questions and answers

  • Why is network development of the gas transmission system necessary?

    Why is network development of the gas transmission system necessary?

    Gas and its transmission network are future-proof partners for the successful implementation of the energy transition during the transition phase to renewable energy sources. According to sections 1 and 11 of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG), terranets bw is obliged to operate a secure, reliable and powerful gas transmission system and to develop its network in line with demand due to the continually increasing demand for gas shipping capacities in Baden-Württemberg. The nationwide coordination of development requirements takes place in the scope of the Network Development Plan Gas (NDP Gas). This plan sets out all measures for optimising, strengthening and developing the network in line with demand as well as for guaranteeing the security of supply needed in the next ten years to ensure safe and reliable network operation. The measures listed in the NDP Gas are reviewed and confirmed by the Federal Network Agency. The measures stated in the NDP Gas are binding and to be implemented in accordance with section 15a of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG).

  • Why is the Neckarenztal pipeline being built?

    Why is the Neckarenztal pipeline being built?

    In order to keep pace with increasing capacity demand in Baden-Württemberg, terranets bw is developing its gas transmission system. For Baden-Württemberg, the NDP plans to connect the Ludwigsburg/Enzkreis region to the "Schwaben pipeline" transmission system.

    The Neckarenztal pipeline sustainably increases the security of supply in Baden-Württemberg, in particular in the Ludwigsburg region both for gas and electricity, also at peak load times. In addition to this, by connecting to the Nordschwarzwald pipeline commissioned in 2016, connection to the west European transmission system via the Trans Europa Naturgas Pipeline (TENP) was also secured and improved.

  • What route does the Neckarenztal pipeline take?

    What route does the Neckarenztal pipeline take?

    For Baden-Württemberg, the Gas NDP plans to connect the Ludwigburg/ Enzkreis region to the "Schwaben pipeline" gas transmission system. The new pipeline is to begin in the Wiernsheim region and run via Vaihingen, Bietigheim-Bissingen to south of Löchgau.

  • What is the procedure for routing?

    What is the procedure for routing?

    According to the Network Development Plan, terranets bw is obliged to connect the Ludwigsburg/ Enzkreis region to the Schwaben pipeline. In order to find the best route, terranets bw adheres to various routing principles. The routing criteria are coordinated with the approving authority (regional council) and are compared and weighed up against each other, if necessary, by these bodies.

    11-Punkte-Programm

    In order to reach a broad consensus, a two-tier approval procedure is carried out (spatial planning procedure, planning approval procedure).

    (cf. Who approves the Neckarenztal pipeline?)

  • What is done to reach a broad consensus with all stakeholders?

    What is done to reach a broad consensus with all stakeholders?

    Since 2016, terranets bw has been informing affected communities and towns about route options and welcomes insights and ideas. terranets bw agrees on participation formats and participants within the scope of the early public participation with the communities and the responsible authority (regional council) (s. Guideline for a new planning culture of the State Administration of BW).

    In order to reach a broad consensus with all stakeholders, a two-tier approval procedure is carried out.

    (cf. Who approves the Neckarenztal pipeline?)

  • Who approves the Neckarenztal pipeline?

    Who approves the Neckarenztal pipeline?

    In order to reach a broad consensus with all stakeholders, a two-tier approval procedure is carried out:

    • In the spatial planning procedure (German: ROV) according to sections 18 ff LPlG, § 1 No. 14 of the ROV, the responsible authority (regional council) assesses the fundamental spatial compatibility of the project based on various routing options without plot specific planning. This procedure is carried out with participation of the affected communities as well as public agencies.
    • The results of this spatial planning procedure are included in the planning approval procedure (German: PFV) according to sections 43 ff of the Energy Industry Act (EnWG). In this procedure the final route is determined by the responsible authority (regional council).
    • Both procedures are with public participation.

    The competent approving authorites are the regional councils of Karlsruhe and Stuttgart.

    (cf. What is the procedure for routing?)

  • What is a spatial planning procedure?

    What is a spatial planning procedure?

    Spatial planning procedure (ROV) according to sections 18, 19 LPlG

    For spatially significant planning with regional importance, the spatial compatibility is assessed in the spatial/regional planning procedure (ROV). This means whether and under what circumstances the Neckarenztal pipeline is compatible with the aims and principles of regional and state planning. Therefore, terranets bw developed alternative routes, weighing up assets worthy of being protected against each other and submitted various routing options to the regional planning authority. Subsequently, the application documents were publicly displayed in the local communities for one month. The competent authority, the Stuttgart regional council, assessed the fundamental spatial compatibility of the project after listening to the affected communities and public interest groups. The resuls of the spatial planning procedure and the regional planning assessment are included in the planning approval procedure.

    Publication of regional planning assessment, Stuttgart Regional Council

  • What is a planning approval procedure?

    What is a planning approval procedure?

    Planning approval procedure (German: PFV) according to sections 43 ff of the Energy Industry Act, sections 72ff VwVfG

    Planfeststellungsverfahren (PFV) nach §§ 43 ff EnWG, §§ 72ff VwVfG

    Considering the results of the regional/spatial planning procedure (ROV),  terranets bw refined the route planning, conducted an environmental impact assessment and applied for planning approval with the competent authority.

    In the planning approval procedure, all planning documents are publicly displayed in the communities and online for one month. Public interest groups and associations whose statutory remit is influenced by the approval decision are consulted. The regional council then weighs up all the public and private concerns affected by the planning. The respective planning approval authority approves the route including specific plot-by-plot plans with its planning approval decision.

    The competent approval authorities are the regional councils of Karlsruhe and Stuttgart.

  • What rights and obligations does terranets bw have when using the plots?

    What rights and obligations does terranets bw have when using the plots?

    To use land for building the route, pipeline rights in the form of permission contracts must be drawn up with all the affected land owners and managers. A limited personal easement to be granted by the land owner secures this permission in the land registry. The plot or land owner receives a one-off payment. This depends among other things on the size of the pipeline´s protective strip. Fixed compensation rates are used as a basis for calculations. terranets bw also pays for any loss of income normally generated by the land or for any damages that arise as a result of works related to laying the pipeline.

  • Who inspects pipeline safety before, during and after construction?

    Who inspects pipeline safety before, during and after construction?

    terranets bw as the owner guarantees safety. By commissioning independent technical experts (usually TÜV), the integrity and safety of the construction measures are checked. Before experts are commissioned, they undergo a strict prequalification process. Safety and hazard coordinators guarantee compliance with appropriate working conditions on the construction site in order to avoid accidents.

    Operation and maintenance are handled by professionally qualified personnel of terranets bw. The 2,000 km long transmission system and the related systems of terranets bw are monitored and controlled by a 24/7 control centre. By means of remote-controlled valves, single sections can be shut off instantly. Alongside regular maintenance and prompt implementation of necessary maintenance and repair measures in accordance with technical specifications, the pipelines are regularly checked from the air, from the road and during on-site inspections.

  • How long does construction of the Neckarenztal pipeline last?

    How long does construction of the Neckarenztal pipeline last?

    It is planned that the construction phase of the Neckarenztal pipeline will be completed by the end of 2022. The construction and commissioning phases of the Neckarenztal pipeline are expected to last approx. 1.5 years. The single construction sections of the locally continuous construction site, in particular on private land, will take about three months. Restoration of the used areas is expected to be finished in the year 2023.

  • How does terranets bw guarantee protection of the surroundings and environment during construction?

    How does terranets bw guarantee protection of the surroundings and environment during construction?

    Throughout the whole construction process, terranets bw takes numerous precautions that support the best possible conservation of nature, thus minimising any impact. The process begins with an environmental impact assessment – in cooperation with authorities and associations the impact on protected assets such as plants, animals, ground, water, climate/air, landscape and people as well as on culture and other material assets are checked and evaluated on the basis of a detailed inventory and assessment of nature and landscape. Based on these audit results, steps are developed to avoid or reduce impairments and compensation measures are defined, which then form part of the planning approval decision as ancillary provisions. The environment will be restored (renaturation measures) subsequent to construction of the Heilbronn connection pipeline. Unavoidable and permanent impacts will be compensated by means of suitable measures (compensation measures). In the event that damages occur despite all the mentioned precautionary steps, compensation and replacement of damages will be provided.

  • What restrictions must the farming community expect?

    What restrictions must the farming community expect?

    Pipeline construction requires temporarily occupying agricultural land for the working strip. The areas on both sides of this working strip can continue to be used during the construction phase. As far as possible, terranets bw strives to minimise harvest downtimes and, when necessary, compensates such downtimes according to fixed compensation rates. When terranets bw has finished using the land, it is recultivated so that the agricultural use of this land is not significantly impaired.

NET – insights into the construction project

Netzausbauprojekte: Neckarenztalleitung - Dialogmark

Early, voluntary puplic participation as part of five dialogue markets in March 2019: roughly 2/3 of the comments noted could be taken into consideration during the planning of the pipeline route.

Netzausbauprojekte: Neckarenztalleitung - Drohne

The route is carefully planned and with respect for the environment and local residents, including wildlife conservation mapping and topographic surveying.

Netzausbauprojekte: Neckarenztalleitung - Ausgabung

Numerous preparatory measures begin more than two years prior to the actual pipeline construction. This includes archeological surveys carried out in cooperation with the State Office for the Preservation of Monuments with the aim of documenting findings and maintaining their value as cultural assets. Here: excavations at Großsachsenheim in October 2021.

Netzausbauprojekte: Neckarenztalleitung - Rohrproduktion

A view behind line pipe production – the roughly 16-metre-long and approx. 2.5 tonne pipes undergo a range of safety tests and leave the factory in Hamm/Westfalen only after they are certified by TÜV.

Netzausbauprojekte: Neckarenztalleitung - Rohrlagerplatz

A total of five storage places for the line pipes are erected in the regions along the pipeline route. Delivery of the pipes began in November 2021.

Neckarenztalleitung Baggerbiss

At the beginning of March 2022, construction of the "NET" began officially with the so-called "digger bite" near the community of Wiernsheim.

[Translate to English:] Baubeginn der NET: Der Spatenstich

On 16 March 2022, terranets bw celebrates commencement of NET´s construction with a symbolic groundbreaking ceremony at the newly errected gas pressure control and metering system near Wiernsheim. Christoph Kröhnert, NET project manager, Karlheinz Oehler, mayor of the Wiernsheim community at that time, Andreas Dötsch, senior construction manager of  ARGE NET, and Thomas Beyer, CEO of  Anton Meyer GmbH & Co. KG performed the groundbreaking ceremony together. 

[Translate to English:] Baubeginn der NET: Der Rohrgraben

The NET construction is implemented as a line construction site. This means single work processes are efficiently performed following the pipeline route. Depending on local circumstances, between 200 and 400 metres of line pipe are laid in one working day. 

On 9 July 2022, a "Construction Site Open Day" in Sachsenheim gave numerous interested people the opportunity to visit the NET construction site and inform themselves about the infrastructure project. Experts were present to answer questions and talk about the project; visitors were also able to take a look into the pipeline ditch and over the shoulders of the archeologists.

Downloads

Here you will find all relevant information and downloads related to the Neckarenztal pipeline.

Construction of the Neckarenztal pipeline - a look at the project

Construction of the Neckarenztal pipeline - a look at the project

Please contact us

We are happy to help you.

Christoph Kröhnert

Christoph Kröhnert

Project Manager

c.kroehnert[at]terranets-bw.de
+49 711 7812 1326

Contact now

Rebecca Penno

Rebecca Penno

Head of Corporate Communications

presse[at]terranets-bw.de
+49 711 7812 1266

Contact now

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