Gasunie Netherlands and Gasunie Germany rounded off a large-scale joint European tendering process for the supply of onshore pipelines for hydrogen, natural gas and carbon infrastructure, signing new framework contracts with six suppliers (consortia) for the production and supply of strategic pipeline materials.

With this step, both companies strengthen their position in the realisation of a sustainable, future-proof European energy network. The value of the framework contracts is capped at € 2.5 billion, including a € 1 billion option for pipelines for CO2 transport projects.

The framework contracts will be signed with the following companies at an official meeting to be held later today: Cimolai, Corinth Pipeworks, Mannesmann Grossrohr, Europipe, Mannesmann Line Pipe and EEW. Each framework contract has a term of four years, with the option of two two-year renewals (in total, a maximum of eight years). The framework contracts are divided into three lots based on the length and diameter of the pipelines.

New working method

According to Bart Leenders, Gasunie’s CTO, the contracts were awarded based on the best price-quality ratio, with sustainability also playing an important role. ‘Sustainability remains a key criterion throughout the term of the framework contracts. Suppliers have been challenged to supply materials with a low carbon footprint. The impact of this sustainability improvement is significant: the production of one tonne of steel produces an average of 2.2 tonnes of CO2. Gasunie chooses low-emission production methods, including steel made from scrap, which can cut emissions by more than 80%. By taking this approach, Gasunie is making a concrete contribution to achieving the targets set in the Paris Agreement and is helping to further develop the circular economy.’

Gasunie purchases strategic materials directly from the producer and then supplies these to contractors using the system referred to as ‘management delivery’. This system ensures that the right materials are available when needed for the timely completion of onshore projects.

Contribution to projects in the Netherlands and Germany

This EU tender includes the potential procurement of pipeline materials for the project covering the northern section of the Dutch hydrogen network, as well as for the construction of the Delta Rhine Corridor and various projects in Germany. The framework contracts offer Gasunie the flexibility to procure materials efficiently and in good time through multiple calls (mini tenders) for the supply of materials for the roll-out of new energy infrastructure in both the Netherlands and Germany.

About Gasunie

Gasunie is a European energy infrastructure company. Gasunie’s network is one of the largest pressure pipeline networks in Europe, comprising over 17,000 kilometres of pipeline in the Netherlands and northern Germany. Gasunie provides natural and green gas transport services through its subsidiaries, Gasunie Transport Services B.V. (GTS) in the Netherlands and Gasunie Deutschland in Germany. With its crossborder gas infrastructure and services, Gasunie facilitates TTF, which has become a leading European gas trading point. Gasunie also provides other gas infrastructure services, including gas storage and LNG. Gasunie wants to help accelerate the transition to a CO2 neutral energy supply and believes that gas related innovations, for instance in the form of renewable gases such as hydrogen and green gas, can make an important contribution. Both existing and new gas infrastructure play a key role here. Gasunie also plays an active part in the development of other energy infrastructure to support the energy transition.