NRL I pipeline construction project
The energy story continues – now with hydrogen
North Sea Ruhr Link I is part of the North Sea Ruhr Link pipeline which comprises a total of four sections running almost entirely (98%) alongside to the Wilhelmshaven Pipeline Link (WAL).
Along with other national gas network operators, OGE has been tasked by the Federal Network Agency and the German government to develop a Germany-wide hydrogen core network. Together with the Wilhelmshaven Coast Line (WKL), the North Sea Ruhr Link will be a central transmission route for hydrogen from the northern coastal regions to the north-west of Germany.
The NRL I starts at the gas metering and pressure regulating station in Wilhelmshaven (Voslapper Groden) running for approx. 21 kilometres largely parallel to the Wilhelmshaven Pipeline Link (WAL), and so the Wilhelmshaven and Friesland regions are once again making energy history: While the WAL has ensured a secure and reliable energy supply with natural gas since 2022, the Wilhelmshaven Coast Line and the North Sea Ruhr Link will now assume the same role for hydrogen – an important step for Germany’s future energy supply.
Facts and figures
approx. 21 KM
Pipeline length
buried
Type of installation
100 bar
Design pressure
DN 1400
Pipe diameter
Q4 2026
Construction
Q4 2027
Completion
Planning status
According to plans for the hydrogen core network, North Sea Ruhr Link I must be completed and commissioned by the end of 2027, and so the project schedule is based on this target.
As with North Sea Ruhr Link III and IV, the framework agreement concluded with the rural associations of Friesland, Wesermarsch, Norden-Emden, Aurich and Emsland/Grafschaft Bentheim also applies to North Sea Ruhr Link I.
The dialogue event on North Sea Ruhr Link I held in Jever in March 2025 was well received. It included a non-public meeting for landowners, tenants and land managers affected by the pipeline project as well as an open ‘dialogue market’ for interested members of the public. The event was also attended by Lambert Huring from Landvolkverband Friesland who presented the framework agreement concluded with OGE. The discussions with landowners, tenants and land managers as well as interested members of the public proved very fruitful.
The application for planning permission will now be submitted to the State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG) in Hanover before the end of this year.