TERRANETS – SEL (SOUTH GERMAN NATURAL GAS PIPELINE)

The expansion of the terranets bw gas transport network is essential to ensure energy security, particularly in view of increasing demand.

The distribution system operators and industry users connected to the terranets bw network predict that gas transport demand in 2030 will be 30% higher than today. A reliable gas supply is required to achieve a successful energy transition and energy security as coal is phased out, for example by supplying the gas-fired power stations required to ensure stabilization of the electricity grid.

That is why terranets bw is planning the construction of the South German Natural Gas Pipeline (SEL) from Lampertheim in Hesse via Heidelberg, Heilbronn, Ludwigsburg, Esslingen, Göppingen, Heidenheim to Bissingen in Bavaria. Some 250 km long, the pipeline will be built in sections over the next 10 years, depending on the actual growth of demand.

As part of the general planner consortium, Drees & Sommer has been commissioned to undertake project management for two sections with a total length of around 100 km. Challenges include taking all environmental issues into account, as well as planning several motorway and railway crossings.

With a diameter of 1.20 m, the new pipeline is designed to be suitable for transporting hydrogen, so the project is a perfect fit with Drees & Sommer’s sustainability criteria.