Gasunie anticipates this development by extending the pipeline network in the Netherlands. The Netherlands in so doing, strengthens its unique position as ‘Gas Junction’ of northwest Europe. The central location, the quality of the pipeline network and the geological conditions all combine to make our country ideally suited for that role. 

Beside putting in place additional pipes from the north to the south of the Netherlands, the extension of the gas transport network also includes the construction of new compressor stations and the modification of various other stations. Grontmij is designing these stations right down to the minutest details, for the gas transport network. We also provide support in the actual construction: we supply the drawings of the stations exactly as they will eventually be built.

12,000 kilometres worth of pipelines
The many kilometres of Dutch underground pipelines run from the gas fields in Groningen to south Limburg, with a branch that runs to Zeeuws-Vlaanderen via Gelderland and Noord-Brabant. There are also pipes running from Groningen to Zuid-Holland via Friesland and Noord-Holland. The total length comes up to 12,000 kilometres of pipelines. These will be extended by a further 450 kilometres of pipelines, with valve and compressor stations.

The basic and detailed levels
In the basic engineering stage, Grontmij is developing the conceptual process flow and route schedules to a higher level of detail. In the detailed stage that follows, specifications are drawn, all the way down to the minutest level of detail. The documents to be supplied contain information about the pipeline diameters, wall thickness, materials and the necessary instruments, such as valves and pressure and temperature meters, amongst others. Grontmij drew up the layout plans and structural design of the compressor stations.

Aboveground
When work is in progress on a pipeline, it must be possible to close it off. This is done aboveground at a valve station. An aboveground compressor station serves to increase the gas pressure, since pressure is lost during transport. In addition to the design of the gas pipes, Grontmij also provides the engineering of equipment in a large portion of these valve and compressor stations.

These operations will stretch to the end of October 2008 and involve 13 gas locations across the Netherlands.