ONTRAS

Network connection

Biogas input into the ONTRAS grid-
Application procedure and provision of technical installations

Are you interested in the feeding of biogas into the ONTRAS gas network, then we ask you to give us notice of your intentions as early as possible. Because from the start we want to achieve together with you, that we realise a favorable macroeconomic connection for your biogas processing plant to the ONTRAS network.

You can download the application form from our website at "Datenblatt Netzanschlussbegehren Biogaseinspeisung" (Data Sheet for Grid Connection Application for Biogas Input).
All applications for installation of grid connections are processed in accordance with Section 33 of the German Regulations for Gas Grid Access (Gasnetzzugangsverordnung (GasNZV)) and, if accepted, will mean that the applicant will acquire the rights and responsibilities listed below:

• ONTRAS will verify that the application is complete within 14 days of its receipt. We then send you a list of tests that will be needed for approval of a grid connection and how much these will cost.
• If, after checking your application form, we need more information, we will ask you for this within one week of receiving the application. The two-week period for verification of the application will then start on the date of our receipt of this additional information.
• If you accept our offer to make the tests, we will ask you to remit an advance payment of 25% of the cost of these tests to ONTRAS.ONTRAS will start the tests as soon as possible after receipt of the advance payment. If necessary, we may have to involve operators of other gas networks, because this is one of the requirements stipulated in the GasNZV.
• The results of the tests will be sent to you as soon as possible, and not later than 3 months from date of receipt of your advance payment.
• If the test results are satisfactory, we will accept them as binding for a period of three months (Section 33 of the GasNZV). 
• If ONTRAS rejects the application or refuses to make the connection, Section 33, Paragraphs 8-10 of the GasNZV shall apply.
• The outstanding amount of the testing costs (75%) falls due for payment on the date of your receipt of the test results.
• If you confirm your continuing interest in delivering biogas into the ONTRAS grid within the three-month period, during the test results remain binding on us, we will send you a binding offer for a grid connection and application contract biogas guaranteeing, for example, our acceptance of the gas input capacity at the level already agreed. The grid connection contract contains a condition precedent requiring you to commence construction of your biogas processing plant within 18 months of date of signature of the contract.
  Network Connection and Use contract (in German)
  
• We will also require you to sign a planning agreement with us regulating planning of the grid connection. The connection will then be laid either by us or by our subcontractor in accordance with the agreed plan specification. Construction work will not be started until all official permits and rights in rem (easements) have been obtained and you have given us proof that construction of the biogas processing plant has commenced.
• Joint planning of the grid connection will start after your signature of the grid connection contract and the planning agreement (in German).
• On commencement of operation of the biogas input connection installations, ONTRAS will thereafter take over responsibility for operation and maintenance of these installations in accordance with the provisions of the GasNZV.
• You, or the gas trader receiving biogas from you, will be required to sign contracts for the actual input of biogas into the natural gas grid with ONTRAS, as the grid operator, and GASPOOL, as the organisation responsible for the market area.