MEGAL pipeline
The MEGAL pipeline (Template:Langx) is a major natural gas pipeline system in southern Germany. It transports natural gas from the Czech–German and Austrian–German borders to the German–French border.[1]
History
Construction started in 1975 when Ruhrgas and Gaz de France formed a partnership (Mittel-Europäische-Gasleitungsgesellschaft) for transportation of Russian natural gas to France and southern Germany. The pipeline was commissioned in 1980.[2] The pipeline cost €634 million.[3]
In July 2009, the European Commission fined GDF Suez, now Engie and E.ON €553 million each due to collusion on the MEGAL pipeline. Commission officials claimed there was a deal between the two groups’ predecessor companies – Gaz de France and Ruhrgas – not to sell gas sent via MEGAL into each other's home markets dating from the mid-1970s. The Commission alleged that the companies maintained these arrangements after European gas markets were liberalised despite knowing that the 1975 deal violated competition rules.[3] They are the second largest fines imposed by the European Commission and the first on the energy sector.[3][4] The decision is contested by both companies, who argue that the business rules in 1975 differed from those of today.[4][5] In 1975, Ruhrgas and Gaz de France concluded arrangements according to which they agreed not to sell gas in each other's home market. The deal was abandoned in 2005.[3]
Technical description
The pipeline system is Script error: No such module "convert". long.[6] It comprises two interconnected pipelines—MEGAL Nord and MEGAL Süd. The MEGAL Nord pipeline consists of two parallel pipelines with a length of Script error: No such module "convert". and Script error: No such module "convert". from Waidhaus to Medelsheim. It is operated at a pressure of 80 bar (1,160 psi), which is secured by three compressor stations.[6] The capacity of the pipeline is 22 billion cubic metres (777 billion cubic feet) of natural gas per year, or a little more than 60 million cubic metres (2 billion cubic feet) per day.[1]
The Script error: No such module "convert".-long MEGAL Süd pipeline between Oberkappel and Schwandorf is operated at a pressure of 67.5 bar (979 psi), which is secured by two compressor stations. The connecting pipeline between MEGAL Nord and MEGAL Süd is Script error: No such module "convert". long and it is connected in Rothenstadt and Schwandorf.[6]
The MEGAL pipeline crosses the Trans Europa Naturgas Pipeline and the Remich pipeline at Mittelbrunn, the METG (pipeline from the German-Dutch border) at Gernsheim, and the pipeline going to the Ruhr Industrial Area at Rimpar.[6]
Ownership
The pipeline is owned by Open Grid Europe (51%) and GRTgaz Deutschland (subsidiary of GRTgaz – 49%). It is operated by Open Grid Europe.[7]
References
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External links
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