FSRU Wilhelmshaven, a joint venture between Tree Energy Solution (TES) and ENGIE, partnered with ECOnnect to implement the jettyless IQuay solution for natural gas import to Wilhelmshaven, Germany, addressing immediate energy security concerns while also laying the foundation for a long-term carbon-neutral energy strategy.
The challenge: Enabling energy security for Europe
The overall project is on the list of priority projects supported by Germany's LNG Acceleration Law, passed in May 2022, to strengthen Germany's energy security by 2025. Wilhelmshaven is strategically positioned to import 8.5% of Germany's natural gas demand and will play an important role in future decarbonization efforts commencing in 2025.
The German Federal Ministry of Economics and Climate Protection selected TES and ENGIE in early September 2022 to develop and implement an LNG Floating Storage Regasification Unit in Wilhelmshaven to address energy security needs in Europe.
The key challenge for TES was to identify a cost effective solution that could be implemented fast enough for Germany’s energy crisis. This included finding a reliable and efficient method for importing natural gas to Wilhelmshaven while upholding their commitment to delivering green hydrogen and supporting a circular carbon economy. TES aimed to secure a partner and infrastructure solution that not only facilitated fast and dependable gas imports but also resonated with their overarching goal of providing clean, secure, and cost-effective energy solutions to Europe. Therefore, TES prioritized the selection of a partner and infrastructure that could meet these criteria while minimizing environmental impact and operational costs.
The solution
ECOnnect played a crucial role in delivering the IQuay infrastructure for gas import to Wilhelmshaven, utilizing the innovative jettyless technology. This solution facilitated a rapid and reliable connection between offshore gas stations and onshore terminals, significantly reducing installation time and environmental impact. By leveraging the Jettyless IQuay solution, TES and ECOnnect effectively met Germany's immediate energy security needs while laying the groundwork for a long-term carbon-neutral energy strategy. ECOnnect's delivery connects the FSRU to the onshore terminal in Wilhelmshaven, with a gas balcony and a low-impact subsea pipeline that will replace the need for more conventional and invasive options such as a jetty or a quay. The delivery includes an emergency release system, flexible risers, a pipeline end manifold, and thermoplastic composite pipes. The project will initially import as much as 16-20 billion cubic meters and accommodating 1,600,000 cubic meters for regasification and direct connection to the Open Grid Europe (OGE) gas grid.
The integration of the IQuay F-Class system with TCP flowlines, supplied by ECOnnect, initially facilitated natural gas importation to Wilhelmshaven. In the future, CO2 will replace natural gas, supporting the recirculation of CO2 back to the hydrogen production facility for synthetic methane (CH4) production, branded as E-NG by TES/Industry. This collaboration with TES exemplifies a commitment to a circular carbon economy, effectively addressing the challenge of integrating green hydrogen production and CO2 capture into the energy infrastructure.
The jettyless IQuay is set to seamlessly link the FSRU to the OGE onshore. Overall, the collaboration between FSRU Wilhelmshaven and ECOnnect exemplifies how innovative technology and sustainable solutions can address complex energy challenges, promote a circular carbon economy, and deliver clean and secure energy to Europe. IQuay stands as a platform capable of transforming marine operations, enhancing efficiency, safety, and customer experience.
About TES
TES is a global green energy company leading the way in the production of e-NG (electric natural gas derived from green hydrogen). Headquartered in Europe, TES is committed to making reliable and affordable green energy accessible to all by implementing giga-scale projects using a proven, scalable, and cost-effective method. With a presence in the United States, Middle East, Asia and Australia, the company’s green hydrogen model uses solar and wind energy in low-cost areas with abundant sunlight or wind. The green hydrogen is then combined with climate-neutral CO2 and transformed into e-NG, a renewable molecule, easy to transport and store using existing infrastructure.
About Engie
ENGIE is a global reference in low-carbon energy and services. With its 96,000 employees, its customers, partners and stakeholders, the Group is committed to accelerate the transition towards a carbon-neutral world, through reduced energy consumption and more environmentally-friendly solutions. Inspired by its purpose (“raison d’être”), ENGIE reconcile economic performance with a positive impact on people and the planet, building on its key businesses (gas, renewable energy, services) to offer competitive solutions to its customers.
