Uniper has announced plans to begin the divestment of its 20 percent shareholding in the regulated OPAL natural gas pipeline, in line with the European Commission’s state aid approval issued on 20 December 2022. The proposed transaction involves the sale of 100 percent of the shares in Lubmin-Brandov Assets GmbH & Co KG (LBA KG), the entity that holds Uniper’s 20 percent participation in OPAL. The remaining 80 percent stake in the pipeline is owned by GASCADE Gastransport GmbH.
OPAL is among Europe’s most significant gas transmission routes, running roughly 470 kilometers from Lubmin in northeastern Germany to Brandov on the Czech border. The pipeline also plays a role in Germany’s emerging Hydrogen Core Network. Conversion of the northern section to hydrogen-ready infrastructure was completed in mid-December 2025, while work on the southern section is scheduled to be finalized by the end of 2030.
Uniper has invited interested parties to submit an Expression of Interest between 15 January 2026 and 29 January 2026, no later than 23:59 CET. Submissions may be made in either German or English via email to the designated contact. The Expression of Interest should include the applicant’s name, address, and contact details, information on individuals responsible for managing the process, and details of any appointed financial advisors. Submissions that are incomplete or received after the stated deadline may not be considered.
Following the Expression of Interest phase, Uniper will share a teaser document and a detailed process letter with shortlisted participants, outlining the requirements and next steps for pre-qualification. The sale process will be conducted in a transparent, competitive, and non-discriminatory manner.
Headquartered in Düsseldorf, Uniper is a Europe-focused energy company with an international footprint spanning more than 40 countries. Employing around 7,500 people, the company plays a vital role in safeguarding energy security across Europe, with strong positions in Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden, and the Netherlands. With approximately 14 gigawatts of flexible generation capacity, Uniper is a key contributor to dependable power supply. It is also a major gas trading company and one of the leading LNG importers in Northwestern Europe, supported by a diversified sourcing portfolio that strengthens supply resilience. Alongside its conventional strengths, Uniper is actively investing in renewable energy, hydrogen, and other low-carbon solutions to support the transition toward a cleaner energy system.
In Germany, Uniper supplies energy and related services to nearly 1,000 municipal utilities and industrial customers. The company also operates the country’s largest gas storage portfolio and is a major owner and operator of hydropower assets, further reinforcing its role in maintaining a stable and reliable energy infrastructure.
