The County of Bentheim remains a key region for Neptune Energy

“On the one hand, it is our responsibility to clear up and decommission disused central field stations. On the other hand, we are constantly working to ensure our production remains sustainable for the future. This requires maintenance and improvement measures,” explains Michael Funke, who is responsible for Neptune Energy’s production in the region.

For example, the Neptune Energy team recently installed a smaller production pipe at the Ringe Z1 natural gas well to ensure that production remains economically viable even at lower output levels. Work on Am Eekenberg in Ringe has now been successfully completed and the well is back in regular operation.

The company’s staff are also continuing to work at Bathorner Diek in Hoogstede. A processing plant for the Adorf oil field is currently being built there. “That really is a logistical tour de force,” says Funke, praising his team. The plant, weighing 191 tonnes, was delivered in a total of 16 lorry lads. Following a prolonged shutdown, the field is set to resume oil production very soon.

Work is also resuming at the Adorf Z20 well on Heideweg in Georgsdorf, the region’s most recent natural gas well. Although the well has already successfully produced natural gas, additional measures have become necessary. “We have already replaced equipment in the well over the past few weeks. Now we need to improve the connection to the reservoir,” reports Funke. Only in this way will economically viable production be possible in the long term. The work is scheduled for completion in December. Until then, flaring will also be necessary from time to time. “We ask for your understanding regarding the associated light and noise emissions. We are in regular contact with the immediate neighbourhood,” explains Funke.

Alongside investments in the existing infrastructure, plugging and abandonment of former operational sites is also progressing. In the municipality of Hoogstede and the town of Bad Bentheim, local specialist contractors are currently transforming a total of 16 former central field stations back into farmland and natural areas. Furthermore, plugging and abandonment of pipelines is currently underway in the joint municipalities of Uelsen and Emlichheim.

“Through our work, we are also contributing to local value creation and security of supply,” Funke is certain. The backfilling of several decommissioned natural gas and crude oil wells is due to be completed in the coming months. The Neptune Energy team therefore continues to have plenty to do in the district of Grafschaft Bentheim – in both plugging and abandonment of the wells and the production of crude oil and natural gas.

Neptune Energy is one of Germany’s leading commodities companies. With over 135 years’ experience, we ensure a secure supply for industry and society. Our aim: Today we produce what counts tomorrow. Around 460 employees across many regions of Germany and at our head office in Hanover are committed 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 2025 financial year stood at 332 million euros (IFRS). Total annual production of gas and oil amounted to 5.9 million barrels of oil equivalent (boe).