Heidelberg is preparing for the construction of the new natural gas pipeline!

Heidelberg is preparing for the construction of the new natural gas pipeline!

Heidelberg, a city that always keeps its finger on the pulse, is preparing for a remarkable infrastructure project: the construction of the “South German Natural Gas Pipeline” (SEL). This terranets bw project will cover a distance of around 250 kilometers and will be implemented in several sections. The first part, which stretches from Heidelberg to Heilbronn, measures around 61 kilometers and is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026. In the current phase, preparations are in full swing, including archaeological excavations and species protection measures.

From the end of June, a pipe storage area will be set up between Grenzhof and Eppelheim in Heidelberg, which is expected to remain in operation until winter 2026. In the coming months, from August to the end of the year, the pipes will be delivered in an environmentally friendly manner by rail from the manufacturing plant in Mülheim an der Ruhr and then transported by trucks to the storage areas. Citizens are asked to understand the possible traffic restrictions that may arise as a result of this important undertaking. Further information is available on the terranets bw website at www.terranets-sel.de can be reached.

Important role for the energy future

But what is behind the SEL? Gas pipelines like these are not only important for the region, but also for the restructuring of the entire energy infrastructure. Natural gas plays a crucial role during the transition to renewable energies and makes it easier to phase out coal. terranets bw plans to convert the gas infrastructure to meet needs, with all measures being implemented to be hydrogen-compatible. This is intended to supply modern gas power plants and put an end to coal-fired power generation. Switching to natural gas can reduce power plants' CO₂ emissions by more than 50 percent, a real win for climate protection.

Another exciting point is that the SEL will create a key connection to the national and European hydrogen infrastructure from the early 2030s. The “Hydrogen for Baden-Württemberg” initiative aims to determine hydrogen needs and offers comprehensive information about planning and conversion projects on the website www.h2-fuer-bw.de to.

A look into the future

The development of a powerful hydrogen network is more than just a trend. The Federal Network Agency has already taken steps to define the criteria for the hydrogen core network. This network will help integrate large power plants with at least 100 MW of electrical output and advance the use of hydrogen as an energy source. Flexibility and security of supply are further strengthened by hydrogen storage, which in turn ensures a sustainable energy supply in Baden-Württemberg.

This shows that the construction of the South German natural gas pipeline will not only create a new structure in the energy supply. Rather, a future-oriented path is being taken that is intended to support the transition to a more environmentally friendly energy world. If you have any questions, interested citizens can use the email address sel@terranets-bw.de Use it to get in touch directly with those responsible.