Skanled – one step closer to development

Today, Gassco and the partners of the Skanled project have decided to continue the project following a clarification of Ineos investment plans at Rafnes. The new concept does not include a separation plant, and it establishes sufficient capacity for the use of gas in Grenland in the future.

Skanled is a gas pipeline that will go from Kårstø on the Norwegian West Coast to the Grenland area on the East Coast and on to Sweden and Denmark. The pipeline makes possible the export of Norwegian gas to Sweden and Denmark, and the industrial use of gas in Grenland. Skanled is important for employment and value creation in Norway. The Norwegian government is following the project very closely to ensure its completion.

-I am pleased that Skanled now is one step closer to development. The economic downturn makes industrial investments challenging. The solution proposed today will land gas in Grenland, and will thus give grounds for future industrial developments in the region. This is good news for everyone engaged in an active industrial policy, says Mr. Terje Riis-Johansen, Minister of Petroleum and Energy.
–I have followed this project closely, and in particular there has been uncertainties in regard to the separation plant. The present plans that are now on the table, says the Minister of Petroleum and Energy.

Gassco says that Skanled is a complicated project, and there are challenges that have yet to be solved in order to realize the project. Gassco plans to submit the Plan for Development and Operation to the Ministry on 1 April 2009.