Start of decommissioning work on the Römerberg 0 well in Speyer

The Römerberg 0 well marks the start of oil production in Speyer. It was originally drilled in 2003 as an exploratory well for geothermal energy. However, at a depth of around 2,350 metres, the company operating the well at the time unexpectedly struck oil. The well thus confirmed the presence of an oil reservoir, although no production took place at this site. For subsequent production, the consortium established two so-called cluster sites on the outskirts of Speyer and produces oil there since 2008. The plugging and abandonment of disused wells is a key aspect of raw material production. The consortium is now fulfilling this responsibility. Neptune Energy, as the operator, is carrying out the plugging and abandonment.

“Our experts have been investigating over a long period of time whether the Römerberg 0 well can still be used for other purposes,” explains Horst Prei, Head of Production in Speyer. “As this is not the case, we have planned the final backfilling of the well and the complete plugging and abandonment of the well site.”

As part of the work, the pipes remaining in the well will first be removed. The project team will then permanently seal the well using special cements and mechanical barriers. These procedures ensure that no liquids or gases can escape from the reservoir. “Neptune Energy has extensive experience in the safe plugging and abandonment of wells,” emphasises Prei. “We carry out such projects regularly throughout Germany. Alongside the production of raw materials, professional plugging and abandonment are one of our core tasks.”

Mariana Kohn of Neptune Energy is leading the project. She emphasises: “Compliance with statutory safety and environmental requirements, as well as providing transparent information to local residents, is our top priority in all our work.” The consortium is therefore supporting the project through ongoing communication with the local community. Among other things, information leaflets have been distributed in the local area to provide early information about the process and potential impacts. In addition, information signs describe the work taking place on the construction site.

During the construction phase, there may be periods of increased lorry traffic and noise, as well as increased light exposure. These are within the scope of normal construction activities. The decommissioning project is divided into several phases. Once the technical equipment has been delivered, the well will be backfilled over a period of around four weeks. At times, work will be carried out 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for technical reasons. The team will then completely dismantle the well site and the existing drilling chamber within approximately three months. All work is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2026.

All work is being carried out under the supervision of the relevant mining authority in Mainz. Once the work is complete, there will be no trace of the site’s former use.

Neptune Energy is one of Germany’s leading commodities companies. With over 135 years of experience, we ensure a secure supply for industry and society. Our goal: Today we produce what counts tomorrow. Around 480 employees across many regions of Germany and at our headquarters in Hanover are dedicated to three key areas of activity

Base – Gas & Oil: safe and reliable production of domestic energy resources

Balance – plugging andabandonment: 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 for the 2024 financial year stood at €440 million. Total annual production of gas and oil amounted to 5.5 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe).