Dutch gas transport company NOGAT has reportedly launched the pre-FEED (pre-front-end engineering design) phase for the NORNET pipeline project, a new gas pipeline directly connecting Norway and the Netherlands in the North Sea.
The project reportedly utilizes the existing A6-F3 pipeline to build the first-ever direct gas connection between Norway and the Netherlands, with shareholders reportedly including EBN, PGGM, Eni, and Spirit Energy.
Annual transmission capacity is reportedly over 4 billion cubic meters, equivalent to about 15% of Dutch gas demand and 30% of high-calorific gas demand. The final investment decision (FID) is reportedly targeted for mid-2027, with startup targeted for 2029.
Norwegian gas is reportedly estimated to have 30-50% lower CO2 emissions than imported LNG, and there is reportedly discussion of future expansion of the infrastructure to transport hydrogen to Germany, Denmark, and the UK.
Amid Europe’s efforts to reduce reliance on Russian gas and strengthen energy security, this is viewed as a case illustrating diversification of the region’s gas supply chain.
Confirmation of the FID timing and concrete progress on future hydrogen infrastructure expansion plans are worth watching.