Belgium, France connect gas grids

Fluxys of Belgium and France’s GRTgaz commissioned the interconnection pipeline called ‘Artère des Flandres’ connecting the French and Belgium gas systems.

The two companies said in a statement on Thursday that GRTgaz can convey non-odorised gas through the ‘Artère des Flandres’ pipeline to the grid of Fluxys Belgium, which in turn can transport it via the newly laid Alveringem-Maldegem pipeline.

The project will, in 2016, enable the connection of the Dunkirk liquefied natural gas terminal to the Belgian grid, boosting the development of LNG in northwest Europe, reinforcing market integration, security of supply and diversification of sources, according to the statement.

In Belgium, the project involved Fluxys Belgium building the Alveringem regulating station, a new interconnection station at Maldegem and a pipeline stretching nearly 75 km between these two sites. The total investment was around €100 million.

In France, the project involved GRTgaz building the ‘Artère des Flandres’ pipeline (23 km) and the Hondschoote metering station at the border (€56 million) as well as modifying the Pitgam interconnection station (€30 million), the statement reads.

These facilities enable shippers to transmit up to 8 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year from France to Belgium for the first time.

LNG World News Staff; Image: French Ministry of Ecology