THE PERCHE PIPELINE : Developing natural gas transmission capacity between Cherré (Sarthe) and Saint-Arnoult-des-Bois (Eure-et-Loir)

The project and its objectives

In order to meet the needs expressed by suppliers on the market, GRTgaz has begun the process of developing substantial new transmission capacity on the French system, in cooperation with adjacent national system operators.

Thus, in order to increase transmission capacity from Taisnières in northern France – the interconnection point with the Belgian transmission system – to western France, GRTgaz is looking at building a new transmission pipeline between Cherré, in the Sarthe Department, and Saint-Arnoult-des-Bois, in Eure-et-Loir.

Increasing capacity in this way will facilitate gas trading on the system and enable the market players to diversify their supply sources. At the same time, it will contribute significantly to security of supply in France and in Europe.

Project characteristics

The new pipeline would be around 65 km long. It would be made of steel tubes with a diameter of around 0.9 m and would be buried at a depth of at least 1 metre.

Inside the pipeline, the planned gas pressure would be 68 bar..

At both ends of the pipeline, facilities will need to be built to connect it to the existing transmission system.

The pipeline would also be fitted with 3 block valve stations. These are part of the pipeline safety system, since they make it possible to cut off the gas flow if necessary.

Studies and consultation

Preliminary studies have identified two corridors where in-depth studies are underway to find the route which will have the least impact when the pipeline is laid.

These two corridors were identified following a meticulous analysis and assessment of the land use issues. The corridors avoid areas that are identified as particularly sensitive. GRTgaz will base its decision on this environmental sensitivity assessment together with input from prefectures, the relevant local and regional government authorities and from field visits.

GRTgaz is currently putting together the data which will be used to decide the preferred route before the end of 2009, and briefing meetings will be held with local people in the first half of 2010.

Press contact : Christophe Feuillet – Executive Management – Corporate communications
tel : +33(1) 47 54 23 68 – christophe.feuillet@grtgaz.com

Technical contact : 01 56 04 01 58

Download the Project Information Pack(PDF, 1.3 MB)

Download the environment authority's notice of the 9th of july, 2010

Find out more about the construction process