New Neptune Energy wells produce natural gas for the local grid

The raw materials company with its local production centre in Meppen invested around 73 million euros in the construction of the well site, the drilling of the two wells and the construction of the associated natural gas processing plant. Both wells run underground in a curve, are around 3,500 deep and more than 4,000 metres long. The processing plant at the site can process up to 25,000 cubic metres of natural gas per hour. Initial work on the project began in autumn 2024.

Michael Funke, responsible for Neptune Energy production in Grafschaft Bentheim and Emsland, expresses what he said at the Georgsdorf municipality's New Year's reception in January: "Above all, it is important for me to say thank you - especially to our neighbours for their understanding and interest. We are aware that there was light and noise pollution, especially during the test work at the end of last year." Funke also praised the cooperation with companies from the region: "Many local specialist companies, especially from the county of Bentheim and Emsland, really got to grips with our construction site and pulled together with us. I am therefore particularly pleased that we were able to make a contribution to local value creation with this project."

The project team plans to be able to supply around 300,000 households over the next few months with the six Adorf wells that now exist in the carbon reservoir. "Directly from Hoogstede and Georgsdorf instead of via more emission-intensive import routes," emphasises Funke. However, the work on the Heideweg is not yet complete. "Over the next few months, we will be active on site from time to time before we go fully into regular operation. But we can already be proud of everything we have achieved."

The well sites are sealed and equipped with a drainage system so that liquids can be collected and rainwater, for example, can be drained away in a controlled manner. In addition, specialist companies construct the wells, seal them against the groundwater several times using a system of steel pipes and cement and install shut-off devices and pressure monitoring systems. All work is supervised by the State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology (LBEG). This and other authorities ensure that the safety and environmental protection standards applicable in Germany are adhered to. External experts have examined all nature conservation issues relating to the Adorf wells - in landscape conservation plans including species protection assessments and preliminary environmental impact assessments. The technical reports describe, among other things, how Neptune Energy avoids impacts on nature and the landscape. Where this is not possible, for example due to the necessary sealing of the drilling site areas, the company provides compensatory and replacement measures for nature conservation in consultation with the specialist authorities.

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).