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Security of supply, also at peak load times

To ensure a secure supply of energy also in times of increasing demand – this is our most important task and the reason for terranets bw to continuously expand its gas network. For Hesse, the Gas Network Development Plan (Gas NDP; German: NEP Gas) foresees the construction of a pipeline from Wirtheim to Lampertheim, the "Spessart-Odenwald pipeline" (SPO).

The Spessart-Odenwald pipeline will sustainably increase the security of supply both for gas and electricity, also during peak loads. It is planned that the pipeline be commissioned for gas transmission from 2027.
Additionally: terranets bw is building the "Spessart-Odenwald pipeline" as a flexible energy grid for the future. The Spessart-Odenwald pipeline will be "H2-ready", i.e. it will also be designed for the transmission of hydrogen.

Data and facts

117 km
pipeline length
1.000 mm
nominal width
(diameter of the pipeline)
H2
ready for hydrogen transport
2027
planned commissioning

Maps of the planned route

Here you will find the current maps of the planned route of the SPO. The Darmstadt Regional Council is responsible for the approval procedure for the route. In the so-called planning approval procedure with formal public participation, the application documents are made available to the public in the municipalities along the route and published online.

Route of the SPO (scale 1:5,000) along the districts from the Main-Kinzig district to the Darmstadt-Dieburg district:

Route of the SPO (scale 1:25,000) along the districts from the Aschaffenburg district to the Main-Kinzig district:

Below you will find map material (scale 1:10,000) that was published as part of the early public participation in 2023. The route shown has since been revised and optimized.

Magazine: Learn more about the SPO

terranets bw legt Planfeststellungsantrag bei Genehmigungsbehörde vor

Konkreter Trassenverlauf von Klein-Auheim bei Hanau bis nach Herchenrode im Modautal eingereicht

SPO Start Wegerecht – Begleitend zur Abgabe des ersten PFA

terranets bw startet zeitnah mit dem Erwerb der Wege- und Leitungsrechte auf dem Abschnitt "Hessen-Mitte"

J. Vogel

Gemeinsam mit seinem Team kümmert sich Johannes Vogel um die Projektsteuerung der SPO.

terranets bw plant den Bau und Betrieb der SPO. Ab 2028 soll die Leitung Gas transportieren.

Manuela König ist Ansprechperson für Menschen mit Flächen entlang des Trassenverlaufs der SPO.

Niklas Thein, stellvertretender Projektleiter der SPO, zum Planfeststellungsverfahren und seinen Aufgaben.

From planning to realization

Plan approval
Start of operation
Heute
2022
2023
2024
2025
2026
2027
2028
2029
Approval planning
Approval planning
mehr erfahren
Plan approval procedure *
Plan approval procedure
mehr erfahren
Preliminary investigations
Preliminary investigations
mehr erfahren
Construction preparation
Construction preparation
mehr erfahren
Construction work
Construction work
mehr erfahren
Early public participation
Early public participation
mehr erfahren
Acquisition of rights
Acquisition of rights
mehr erfahren
Compensatory measures
Compensatory measures
mehr erfahren
Recultivation
Recultivation
mehr erfahren
Regular information for the public
Regular information for the public
mehr erfahren

* Planning approval procedure

Current information and newsletter

Newsletter for the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline

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

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Planning and dialogue

Nationwide development planning: Spessart-Odenwald pipeline secures energy supply as demand increases

The "Spessart-Odenwald Pipeline – SPO" is one of the measures to strengthen the gas transmission system anchored in the Gas Network Development Plan 2020-2030 (Gas NDP). The pipeline runs for around 117 kilometres from Wirtheim to Lampertheim. Commissioning is planned for 2027. In the future, the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline will be able to ship hydrogen in addition to climate-neutral green gases and is being designed for this purpose today.

Development requirements are coordinated across Germany in the Gas Network Development Plan (Gas NDP). This plan sets out all the measures necessary in the next ten years to ensure safe, secure and reliable network operation – for optimising, strengthening and expanding the network in line with demand as well as for guaranteeing security of supply. These measures are reviewed by the Federal Network Agency and – after consulting the public – confirmed. This process means that terranets bw is then officially commissioned to implement the development measures.

Commencement of planning: First assessments

A feasibility study for the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline has already been completed. The result of the study is: the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline is to run predominantly along the existing "MIDAL” gas transmission pipeline (German: "Mitte-Deutschland-Anbindungsleitung”). 

The distance between the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline and the existing MIDAL pipeline can vary along the course of the pipeline. At a few places, it is also possible that the route of the planned Spessart-Odenwald pipeline will deviate – for technical reasons, for example, or because nature conservation, existing industrial sites or residential areas make it necessary. 

The investigations into the detailed planning of the route began in summer 2022 and were completed in fall 2024. In addition to the nature of the soil, the environment and nature along the route of the pipeline were also examined in detail.  Based on the results, terranets bw is developing a proposal for the route of the Spessart-Odenwald line across the property.

Dialogue: Finding the best solution for the region together

The planning team assesses very carefully: What is the best possible solution for the region? Where can the planned pipeline route be further improved? And how can the implementation be as compatible as possible? And especially important: open exchange and transparent processes.

terranets bw therefore regularly informs representatives of the region and the affected communities, authorities and interest groups as well as citizens about the current planning status and provides targeted offers for information and exchange during the individual project phases.

Approval and construction preparation: What happens up to the time of commissioning?

terranets bw submitted the first application for approval for the construction and operation of the SPO to the Darmstadt Regional Council in June 2025. This marks the start of the planning approval procedure, in which the responsible authority weighs up all the public and private interests affected by the planning. Public interest groups and affected parties are able to submit their comments. With the planning approval decision, the authority approves the detailed pipeline route application.

Parallel to the approval procedure, terranets bw begins with acquiring the rights of way and pipeline rights for the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline. From 2025, preparations then begin for constructing the pipeline. Construction itself is planned to begin in 2026. Commissioning is scheduled for 2027.

Questions and answers

  • Why is it necessary to develop the gas transmission system?

    Why is it necessary to develop the gas transmission system?

    To ensure that the energy transition is implemented successfully and to guarantee a secure energy supply also during the phase-out of nuclear and coal, it is necessary to have a powerful gas transmission system – for local suppliers in the region, for industry and commerce and for system stability in the electricity grid, which must be supported by modern gas-fired power stations. terranets bw is responsible for operating and expanding its gas transmission system. According to sections 1 and 11 of the Energy Industry Act (German: EnWG), terranets bw is obliged to operate a safe, secure, reliable and powerful gas transmission system and to develop the network as demand for gas shipping capacity continuously increases.

    Development requirements are coordinated across Germany in the Gas Network Development Plan (Gas NDP). This plan sets out all the measures necessary in the next ten years to ensure safe, secure and reliable network operation – for optimising, strengthening and expanding the network in line with demand as well as for guaranteeing security of supply. These measures are reviewed by the Federal Network Agency and – after consulting the public – confirmed. This process means that terranets bw is officially commissioned to implement the development measures.

  • Why is the SPO important for the region?

    Why is the SPO important for the region?

    Gas pipelines such as the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline play an indispensable role in transforming the energy infrastructure. Data provided to terranets bw by distribution system operators, municipal utilities, modern power station sites and industry is unambiguous: by the year 2030, demand for natural gas shipping capacity in the terranets bw supply area will grow by 24 percent in order to be able to secure the agreed phase-out of nuclear energy and coal in the region. In order to be able to ship more gas at the same time, terranets bw must develop its gas transmission system. In the future, the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline will be able to ship climate-neutral, green gases and hydrogen. The pipeline is being designed for this purpose today.

    The SPO will run along the existing high-pressure gas pipeline MIDAL (Mitte-Deutschland-Anbindungsleitung) in accordance with the principle of route bundling. This will result in a dual structure that will bring significant advantages for the region: From 2028, the SPO will transport natural gas. This means that MIDAL can be converted to transport hydrogen. This will give industrial and supply companies the opportunity to obtain both natural gas and hydrogen via the pipeline system.

  • Why do we need natural gas? Do we not want to be climate-neutral as soon as possible?

    Why do we need natural gas? Do we not want to be climate-neutral as soon as possible?

    Using natural gas is associated with fewer emissions than other fossil fuels, such as lignite or anthracite. Natural gas secures an efficient and reliable supply of energy amidst the transformation of our energy systems. As a source of energy, natural gas is an important companion on our way to a complete energy supply based on renewable energy. It stabilises the supply of energy, also in times of low wind and little sunshine – and supports the rapid phase-out of nuclear energy and coal.

  • Will the SPO also transport hydrogen?

    Will the SPO also transport hydrogen?

    Yes, the SPO is being planned and built in such a way that it will be able to transport hydrogen in the future. In future, terranets bw's entire gas transportation network will be converted to transport hydrogen. That is why terranets bw is already implementing all conversion and expansion measures H2-ready today. The first pipeline to be built H2-ready was the Neckarenztal pipeline in the Ludwigsburg / Enzkreis district. In addition to the SPO, terranets bw is currently also planning and building the Süddeutsche Erdgasleitung (SEL) H2-ready.

  • Why is the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline important?

    Why is the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline important?

    Gas pipelines such as the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline play an indispensable role in transforming the energy infrastructure. Data provided to terranets bw by distribution system operators, municipal utilities, modern power station sites and industry is unambiguous: by the year 2030, demand for natural gas shipping capacity in the terranets bw supply area will grow by 24 percent in order to be able to secure the agreed phase-out of nuclear energy and coal in the region. In order to be able to ship more gas at the same time, terranets bw must develop its gas transmission system. In the future, the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline will be able to ship climate-neutral, green gases and hydrogen. The pipeline is being designed for this purpose today.

  • Who is responsible for constructing and operating the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline?

    Who is responsible for constructing and operating the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline?

    terranets bw, which is located in Frankfurt and Stuttgart, is responsible for constructing the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline. The company is responsible for providing a reliable supply of electricity and heat in the region. terranets bw was founded 60 years ago. Some successful building projects completed by terranets bw are, for example, expansion of the gas compressor station in Scharenstetten near Ulm and construction of the new Nordschwarzwald pipeline. The total length of pipeline network operated by terranets bw is currently around 3,000 kilometres.

  • Who is responsible for constructing and operating the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline?

    Who is responsible for constructing and operating the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline?

    terranets bw, which is located in Frankfurt and Stuttgart, is responsible for constructing the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline. The company is responsible for providing a reliable supply of electricity and heat in the region. terranets bw was founded 60 years ago. Some successful building projects completed by terranets bw are, for example, expansion of the gas compressor station in Scharenstetten near Ulm and construction of the new Nordschwarzwald pipeline. The total length of pipeline network operated by terranets bw is currently around 2,700 kilometres.

  • What rights and obligations does terranets bw have in the use of land?

    What rights and obligations does terranets bw have in the use of land?

    In order to use land for constructing pipeline routes, pipeline rights in the form of permission agreements must be established with all landowners and users of the land who are affected. A limited personal easement that must be granted by the landowners secures this permission in the land registry. The landowners receive in return an one-off payment. This payment depends among other things on the size of the protective strip along the pipeline. Calculations are based on defined compensation rates. terranets bw also pays for any loss of farming income or other damages that can result from works in connection with laying the pipeline.

  • What restrictions are to be expected by the farming community?

    What restrictions are to be expected by the farming community?

    Agricultural land will be temporarily occupied by the working strip when constructing the pipeline. Areas along both sides of the working strip can continue to be used during the construction phase. terranets bw minimises harvest disruptions as far as possible and compensates such disruptions if necessary based on defined rates. After usage by terranets bw, the land is recultivated so that there are no significant restrictions on agricultural use.

  • What restrictions are to be expected by the farming community?

    What restrictions are to be expected by the farming community?

    Agricultural land will be temporarily occupied by the working strip when constructing the pipeline. Areas along both sides of the working strip can continue to be used during the construction phase. terranets bw minimises harvest disruptions as far as possible and compensates such disruptions if necessary based on defined rates. After usage by terranets bw, the land is recultivated so that there are no significant restrictions on agricultural use.

  • What restrictions are to be expected by the farming community?

    What restrictions are to be expected by the farming community?

    Agricultural land will be temporarily occupied by the working strip when constructing the pipeline. Areas along both sides of the working strip can continue to be used during the construction phase. terranets bw minimises harvest disruptions as far as possible and compensates such disruptions if necessary based on defined rates. After usage by terranets bw, the land is recultivated so that there are no significant restrictions on agricultural use.

  • What restrictions are to be expected by the farming community?

    What restrictions are to be expected by the farming community?

    Agricultural land will be temporarily occupied by the working strip when constructing the pipeline. Areas along both sides of the working strip can continue to be used during the construction phase. terranets bw minimises harvest disruptions as far as possible and compensates such disruptions if necessary based on defined rates. After usage by terranets bw, the land is recultivated so that there are no significant restrictions on agricultural use.

  • How are citizens informed about the planning status?

    How are citizens informed about the planning status?

    In preparation for the planning approval procedure, terranets bw informed the affected municipalities and citizens as part of the early public participation process. Comments and suggestions received from informal participation opportunities were incorporated into the planning where appropriate and possible.

    The formal public participation phase begins with the approval procedure. This will not be accompanied by terranets bw as before, but by the responsible authorities, the Darmstadt Regional Council and the Government of Lower Franconia. terranets bw will continue to provide transparent information on the SPO project website. Regular updates on the current progress of the project can also be found in the SPO newsletter.

Downloads

Here you will find relevant information, downloads and maps related to the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline:

Data protection

For constructing and operating the Spessart-Odenwald pipeline, terranets bw processes personal data. terranets bw processes information pertaining to landowners affected by pipeline route, especially for preliminary assessments for the detailed planning of the pipeline route. Find out more about how terranets bw processes your personal data at www.terranets-bw.de/data protection

Please contact us

We are happy to help you.

Sven Horn

Project Manager

Sven Horn

Nadine Leiker

Project Communication

Nadine Leiker

spo[at]terranets-bw.de
+49 711 7812 1430

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