Framework agreement concluded with rural associations 

Gas transmission system operator Open Grid Europe GmbH (OGE), along with other national gas network operators, has been commissioned to develop the Germany-wide hydrogen core network. For the Wilhelmshaven Coast Pipeline (WKL) and the North Sea Ruhr (NRL) I, III and IV projects in Lower Saxony, which are part of the hydrogen core network, OGE and the rural associations of Friesland, Wesermarsch, Aurich, Norden-Emden and Emsland/Grafschaft Bentheim and the Landwirtschaftliche Hauptverein für Ostfriesland have now concluded a framework agreement.

The agreement provides the basis for cooperation between the agricultural sector and OGE when it comes to building the network operator's new hydrogen pipelines, the aim being to implement these projects in close cooperation with the regions. 

"We want to find solutions that are as consensual as possible," 

emphasises Frank Teiber, Head of RoW Acquisition at OGE. In addition to the selected corridor, which deliberately avoids the shortest route in favour of the most compatible one to avoid damaging environmentally sensitive areas such as nature reserves, the framework agreement marks an important step in the implementation of OGE's pipeline projects. It covers all aspects important to farmers, such as compensation payments and the responsibility for remediation measures performed as part of the WKL, NRL I, III and IV pipeline projects. The agreement is the result of extensive discussions between the rural associations and the gas network operator.

Representatives of the rural associations also attended the dialog events organised for the construction projects, which included a non-public landowners' meeting and a ‘dialog market’ where the agreement was presented to the general public. The associations, along with colleagues from the various OGE departments, were also available to answer questions from landowners, tenants and land managers. The dialog events have proven their worth at OGE. 

"We are approachable and always available to answer questions about our pipeline projects, not just at our dialog events," 

explains Franz-Josef Kißing, project manager for the NRL I, IV and the WKL projects. NRL III project manager Michael Stroetmann agrees: "We always try to find a solution that is acceptable to all sides involved and are happy to provide regular updates." At their dialog events the project teams presented the North Sea Ruhr Link I and III pipeline projects to the public for the first time.