Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (Taqa) has awarded a multi-million Euro contract to MAN Diesel & Turbo Schweiz  (MAN), for delivery of compression technology for its Bergermeer Gas Storage project in Netherlands.

The scope of delivery comprises six fully integrated, skid mounted high frequency motor-compressor systems, providing emission-free and highly efficient operation. Each 13 MW motor-compressor unit, with a weight of more than 80 metric tonnes, consists of a tandem compressor arrangement, generating a flow of 540,000 cubic metres gas per hour.

The complete rotating assembly levitates in magnetic bearings and is installed in a hermetically sealed housing, thus eliminating the need for shaft seals and, as a result, emissions to the atmosphere. The entire unit is oil-free and creates no gas emissions, thereby fulfilling stringent environmental requirements set by Taqa. The unit will be part of the state-of-the-art zero emission gas treatment and compression facility being built in Alkmaar, the Netherlands.

'I am pleased with Taqa's decision to opt for the MAN solution - we proudly recognise the growing interest in our eco-friendly and efficient integrated high-speed compressors within the oil and gas industries,' said Dr Uwe Lauber, president of MAN Diesel & Turbo Schweiz.

The Bergermeer Gas Storage project will create Europe’s largest open access gas storage facility. Bergermeer Gas Storage will provide the Northwest European gas market with 46 TWh (4.1 billion cubic metres) of seasonal storage, thereby almost doubling the Netherlands’ total storage capacity.

Taqa received the final statutory approvals and permits to construct and operate the facility in May. Bergermeer Gas Storage operations will start in 2013 with full commercial operations in 2014.-TradeArabia News Service