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 (nearly 80%) 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
The Hydrogen Core Network specifies that the North Sea-Ruhr Link I must be completed and commissioned by the end of 2027. Planning is also based on this target.
The framework agreement concluded with the agricultural associations of Friesland, Wesermarsch, Norden-Emden, Aurich, and Emsland/Grafschaft Bentheim applies to the North Sea-Ruhr Link I as well as to the North Sea-Ruhr Links III and IV.
The public dialogue event for the North Sea-Ruhr Link I took place in Jever in March 2025 and was well received. Lambert Huring from the Friesland Farmers’ Association also participated and presented the framework agreement concluded with OGE.
In late summer 2025, we submitted the application for planning approval to the competent approval authority, the State Office for Mining, Energy, and Geology (LBEG) in Hanover.
The planning approval decision is expected in Q3 2026.