German energy company Uniper has officially announced the sale of its 20% stake in the OPAL pipeline, one of the most important transmission corridors in Europe. This decision is part of the fulfillment of the conditions set by the European Commission in relation to state aid approved in December 2022.
The transaction includes 100% of the shares of Lubmin-Brandov Assets GmbH & Co. KG (LBA KG), which directly represents this shareholding. The remaining 80% of the gas pipeline remains in the hands of GASCADE Gastransport GmbH.
A key corridor for Europe
The OPAL pipeline is approximately 470 kilometers long and connects the city of Lubmin in northern Germany with the Czech town of Brandov. This pipeline has been one of the most important routes for the transit of natural gas. natural gas from northeastern Europe to Central Europe for more than a decade.
Currently, it is part of the German Central Hydrogen Network (Wasserstoff-Kernnetz) and its progressive conversion to hydrogen transport is being carried out by hydrogen transport is part of the country’s is part of the country’s efforts to decarbonize its infrastructure.
According to the current schedule, the northern segment of the pipeline was already adapted to hydrogen by mid-December 2025, while the transformation of the southern segment is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2030.
Regulatory compliance and asset reorganization
The decision to divest is a direct response to European Commission requirements, following the partial nationalization of Uniper due to the 2022 energy crisis. These conditions include the sale of certain regulated assets to avoid distortions in the European energy market.
Uniper operates in more than 40 countries and has approximately 7500 employees and in Germany alone, it supplies energy to more than 1000 municipalities and industrial companies, being one of the largest importers of LNG in northwest Europe. The company is also leading the development of projects linked to hydrogen and other low-carbon sources as part of its contribution to the continent’s energy transformation.
Implications for the energy market
This transaction not only involves a change of hands on an infrastructure asset, but reflects a strategic move in the continent’s energy reconfiguration. The OPAL pipeline, adapted to transport hydrogen, will be key to energy integration between Germany and Central Europe in a scenario increasingly focused on decarbonization.
Interest in this type of infrastructure could attract funds specialized in energy transition, network operators or industrial players with a long-term vision. Public bidding adds a transparency component that could broaden the range of candidates.
Source: Uniper
Photo: Wikipedia