OPAL pipeline


The OPAL is a natural gas pipeline in Germany alongside the German eastern border. The OPAL pipeline is one of two projected pipelines connecting the Nord Stream pipeline to the existing pipeline grid in Middle and Western Europe, the other one being the NEL pipeline.

Route

The long pipeline runs from Lubmin near Greifswald to Olbernhau near German-Czech border. It connects the Nord Stream pipeline with the JAGAL, and the STEGAL pipelines in Germany. On the German-Czech border the pipeline will be connected with the planned Gazela Pipeline, to connect gas export pipelines in the Czech Republic.

Technical features

The diameter of the pipeline is and it has an operating pressure up to. The capacity of the pipeline is per year of natural gas. The compressor station in Radeland, Brandeburg, is built by Siemens.
The pipeline cost around €1 billion. The construction was completed in 2011 and in August 2011 Nord Stream was connected with the OPAL pipeline.

Regulations

On 25 February 2009, the Germany's energy regulator exempted the OPAL pipeline from network access and transit fees regulation for 22 years after its launch. However, the exemption from competition regulations may breach EU regulations, and The Economist reports that the EU are investigating Gazprom.

Project company

The pipeline was constructed and is being operated by OPAL NEL TRANSPORT GmbH, a subsidiary of Wingas. It is operated by OPAL Gastransport GmbH & Co KG, indirectly owned by WIGA Transport Beteiligungs-GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture of Wintershall and

Access by Gazprom

Polish state-run gas firm PGNiG and PGNiG Supply & Trading tried to restrict Gazprom's access to the pipeline. Oberlandesgericht Düsseldorf lifted the restrictions
After the decision Gazprom increased the throughput to 72.5 million m3/d.