NOGAT launches pre-FEED phase of Project NORNET for the first direct gas connection between Norway and the Netherlands

NOGAT B.V., together with its project partners, has launched the pre-FEED (Front-End Engineering and Design) phase of Project NORNET, which aims to establish a direct connection between the Norwegian and Dutch gas infrastructures in the North Sea. Following a successful feasibility study, this marks an important step in further assessing the technical, economic and operational aspects of the connection and initiating the permitting process.

A strategic connection for security of gas supply and efficient infrastructure use

With relatively limited infrastructure upgrades, the Dutch NOGAT system can be connected to the Norwegian gas infrastructure via the A6-F3 pipeline. This would create both the first direct gas connection between Norway and the Netherlands and an additional European import route through Den Helder. The project would enhance security of supply, strengthen strategic resilience and reduce overall system costs in the Netherlands and North-West Europe.

The new connection is expected to have a transport capacity of more than 4 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas per year. This is equivalent to approximately 15% of total Dutch gas demand and around 30% of the high-calorific gas expected to remain necessary for Dutch industry in the longer term. Similar to Dutch-produced North Sea gas, Norwegian gas transported through this connection has a carbon footprint that is 30 to 50% lower than imported LNG.

In addition, the infrastructure could in the future facilitate large-scale international hydrogen transport between the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, Denmark and the United Kingdom. Reuse of existing pipelines could contribute to a faster energy transition at lower cost and with reduced environmental impact.

Falco van Wissen, Managing Director of NOGAT B.V.:

“One-third of Europe’s gas imports originate from the Norwegian North Sea. Compared to LNG imports, Norwegian gas has a significantly lower carbon footprint and reduces dependency on supplies from regions such as the United States or the Middle East. The start of the pre-FEED phase marks a tangible next step in developing this new Norwegian connection. It will help make the energy supply system in the Netherlands and North-West Europe more robust and flexible.”

Next steps

The pre-FEED phase focuses on further developing selected technical concepts and operational assumptions, including the intended transport capacity of the connection and the configuration of the offshore infrastructure. The permitting process in Germany will also be initiated, as the connection is expected to interface with German waters. Continued coordination with public and private stakeholders in the Netherlands, Norway and Germany will therefore be essential.

This project phase lays the groundwork for a successful FEED and execution phase. It aims to reduce project risks while providing greater clarity regarding investment requirements and potential technical and operational challenges.

The project team aims to reach a final investment decision by mid-2027, with the connection expected to become operational in 2029.