Erdgasbezugsoptimierung für Endverteiler: Planung, Bau und Betrieb von Optimierungsleitungen. Diskussion

The internal European market for natural gas with its changing conditions is starting to have a stronger effect on the investment decisions of German end distributors. Even in respect of efforts to optimise natural gas acquisition, the EU framework legislation is presenting more questions than answers and demands a critical approach when searching for profitable investments. In the past few years, Energieversorgung Hildesheim (the public utility for Hildesheim) has successively developed its network of optimised pipeline systems. The company's own experiences with planning and operation were taken into account in the drafting of guideline G 434 of the DVGW (German Technical and Scientific Association for Gas and Water). For the first time in Germany, location-specific pre-testing in accordance with UVPG recommendations (Environmental Impact Assessment Act) and a planning approval procedure in accordance with EnWG (Energy Economy Act) were carried out for optimised pipeline systems in Hildesheim. As a result of the chosen engineering concept, approval in accordance with BlmSchG was not necessary. In addition to the innovative layout of the pipeline system, known as the Hildesheim Model, the use of large diameter welded spiral pipe of StE 515.7 TM enabled a cost-optimised overall concept.The plant and process engineering realised in this pipeline project for optimisation of gas acquisition offers useful approaches for solutions, even for other end distributors.