New pipeline strengthens security of supply and paves the way for hydrogen transport
The Trans-Europe Natural Gas Pipeline III (TENP III) was officially put into operation with a festive event at the Hügelheim compressor station. The approximately 110-kilometre-long pipeline replaces one string of the TENP pipeline that runs from the German-Belgian and German-Dutch borders to Switzerland. The pipeline, which has been successfully modernised over the last three years while maintaining gas flows, contributes significantly to a secure and sustainable energy supply.
The joint project between the transmission system operators Open Grid Europe (OGE) and Fluxys TENP is making a decisive contribution to security of supply in Baden-Württemberg, Germany and Europe. In addition, TENP III strengthens the link between north-west Europe and the Italian gas market and increases transport capacity to Switzerland thanks to its bidirectional flow. At the same time, the newly laid pipes are already fully designed for the future transport of hydrogen ("H2-ready"). Together with partners, OGE and Fluxys are looking into transporting hydrogen from Italy through Switzerland and, via TENP, to Germany. In this way, they want to increase the diversification of European hydrogen supply and support the achievement of climate targets.
Symbolically assembled the three construction phases of TENP III (from left to right): Klemens Ficht (Vice President of the Freiburg Government), Detlef Brüggemeyer (Managing Director of OGE), Gérard Kimus (Managing Director of Fluxys TENP).
The importance of TENP III for the current and future energy supply was recognised by around 100 invited guests from politics, business and administration. Alexander Schweitzer, Minister President of Rhineland-Palatinate, said in a video message: "For Rhineland-Palatinate, the project means greater security of supply for people and companies. Plus, the pipeline is taking a step into the future and is H2-ready. This also makes it an important milestone for the transformation in Rhineland-Palatinate." Klemens Ficht, Vice-President of Freiburg, emphasised: "The new pipeline will ensure the availability of natural gas, but will also play an important role for the future energy supply in Baden-Württemberg with regard to hydrogen transport. I am delighted that, together with the other authorities, we have been able to make our contribution to this and help to facilitate the rapid and safe commissioning."
The managing directors of OGE and Fluxys TENP thanked everyone who made the successful completion of the project possible. In their speeches, they emphasised both the technically demanding performance of the employees and the constructive dialogue with politicians, administration, authorities and citizens. Detlef Brüggemeyer, CTO of Open Grid Europe GmbH, said: "TENP III is a strong signal for a reliable energy supply in Europe. It shows that we can implement infrastructure projects efficiently and with a view to the future." Friedrich Rosenstock, Managing Director of Fluxys TENP, emphasised: “With TENP III, we are connecting countries and regions – and the energy world of today and tomorrow. The project is not only proof of our commitment to security of supply, but also future-proof.”
In the TENP III project, the TENP pipeline has been replaced in three sections in Rhineland-Palatinate and Baden-Württemberg since 2022. Almost 93 per cent of the technically necessary replacement was carried out in the existing route. The construction work was successfully completed in summer 2025. In the coming weeks, final work will take place along the route. These measures will be executed in parallel with ongoing operations and will not affect the transport function of the TENP.
Symbolically assembled the three construction phases of TENP III (from left to right): Klemens Ficht (Vice President of the Freiburg Government), Detlef Brüggemeyer (Managing Director of OGE), Gérard… Kimus (Managing Director of Fluxys TENP).
