Kassel. The North European Natural Gas Pipeline (NEL) extends approximately 442 kilometres from Rehden in Lower Saxony to Greifswald/Lubmin on the Baltic Sea coast in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. In Lower Saxony, the NEL passes through the Nordheide region and then runs parallel to the A1 motorway as far as Achim near Bremen. The operation of the pipeline is managed primarily by NEL Gastransport GmbH (NGT) and its contracted operator GASCADE Gastransport GmbH, as well as, in parts of Lower Saxony, by Gasunie Deutschland Transport Services GmbH, which is also contracted by NGT.
As part of a maintenance measure of the NEL pipeline, a short section of pipeline in the Weser embankment area southeast of Bremen, between Dreye and Riede, will be replaced. The main pipe replacement works are scheduled to commence on 7 September 2026 and are expected to be completed by 21 September 2026.
Prior to the start of construction activities, the pipeline section concerned will be excavated and temporarily taken out of service and cleared of natural gas. Most of the natural gas contained in the pipeline will be transferred to other sections of the system via the valve stations in Okel and Achim. For small residual volumes of gas that cannot be removed in this way for technical reasons, a so-called flare stack will be used in Okel. This involves a controlled combustion process, the flame of which may be visible in the surrounding area and, depending on weather conditions, audible as well. The use of the flare stack will be carried out in accordance with the highest safety standards. The visible flame is part of a proven and established technical procedure.
To keep the duration of the work as short as possible, some activities will also be carried out at night and during weekends. The actual replacement of the pipeline section is expected to be completed by 21 September 2026. Subsequent dismantling and land restoration works are anticipated to continue until the end of October 2026. During the construction period, temporary increases in noise levels and traffic volumes may occur in the vicinity of the work site.
We would like to thank all local residents for their understanding and support during the implementation of this necessary maintenance measure.
