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OPAL – Energy for Europe

The OPAL (Ostsee-Pipeline-Anbindungs-Leitung – Baltic Sea Pipeline Link) will connect Germany and Europe to the major natural gas reserves in Siberia via the Nord-Stream-Pipeline. That will enhance security of supply.

The OPAL will pick up the natural gas in Lubmin near Greifswald from the Nord Stream pipeline and transport it 470 kilometres south to Olbernhau on the Czech border. The OPAL will not only provide connecting points for discharging the gas into the existing pipeline network, it will also link up the current natural gas transit lines. That will strengthen Germany’s position as a focal point in Europe for the growing natural gas market.

Demand for gas, the most environmentally friendly fossil fuel, will continue to rise. But since production in Europe will decrease simultaneously, natural gas will have to be imported from abroad. Nord Stream and the OPAL will go a long way to bridging this gap.

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Planned route

The OPAL will run from the Baltic Sea coast near Lubmin to Olbernhau on the German-Czech border.

Why natural gas?

Natural gas can be used in many ways, and it is also has benefits for the environment. It is the most environmentally friendly fossil fuel, releasing less CO2 when burnt than other fossil fuels.