Extensive plant optimisation in the Altmark

During the plant shutdown, individual wells cannot be taken out of operation. The gas volumes from these wells are discharged in a controlled manner via temporary flares in order to ensure the safe continued operation and recommissioning of the energy supply systems.
Kerstin Todte, Head of Production Operations Altmark, explains: "With the plant optimisations, we are setting the course for gas production and utilisation for the next 10 to 15 years and using the shutdown specifically for conversion, maintenance and repair work, which is only possible when the pressure is relieved. Light and noise emissions resulting from flaring will be kept to a minimum; at the same time, we would like to ask local residents for their understanding at this stage."

Until the work is completed and the systems are gradually put back into operation from 15 June, temporary flare operation will be carried out both via mobile systems at the Maxdorf, Heidberg, Cheine and Böddenstedt field stations and, at the beginning, via the stationary flare at the Steinitz central station.
In order to keep the duration of the system downtime as short as possible, the work at the Steinitz central station will be carried out in a two-shift system, including at weekends if necessary. The flare work, which is continuously staffed by qualified specialists, runs 24/7, even on Sundays. All measures are authorised by the responsible Saxony-Anhalt State Office for Geology and Mining (LAGB).

Neptune Energy is one of the leading raw materials companies in Germany. With over 135 years of experience, we secure supplies for industry and society. Our goal: Today we produce what counts tomorrow. Around 480 employees in many regions of Germany and at our headquarters in Hanover are involved in three key areas of activity

Base - Gas & Oil: safe and reliable production of domestic energy raw materials

Balance - Plugging and abandonment: taking responsibility for the past and restoring nature

Boost - New Energy: actively shaping the future, for example with lithium from Germany

This is how we combine experience with progress. Neptune Energy's revenue in the 2024 financial year was €440 million. The total annual production of gas and oil was 5.5 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe).