A crucial phase is complete regarding gas pipeline Baltic Pipe, which will transport gas from Norway to Poland via Denmark.

Danish transmission system operator Energinet has completed the expropriation of Danish soil, securing the right to build Baltic Pipe across approximately 550 properties around the country ­ and to operate the connection.

In a statement, the TSO writes that the expropriation was completed on Feb. 23 after more than one and a half year's work.

Energinet states that most lot owners have been quite hospitable to the company's surveyors, although many have opposed that the pipeline should through their properties.

"It is very important to Energinet that we do it the right way and have a proper dialog with lot owners. I would also like to note the constructive approach shown toward our employees. Even though many lot owners have not condoned the project, the vast majority have been accommodating and focused on finding proper solutions in cooperation with us," says Søren Juul Larsen, project manager at Energinet, in the statement.

Moreover, the TSO informs that some lot owners have opted to file complaints regarding the size of the compensation given. These cases will be processed by the independent taxation committee.

A group of lot owners have taken it a step further and sued Energinet based on the expropriations, arguing that the pipeline doesn't benefit the country, and that Energinet should therefore not be allowed to establish it.

English Edit: Jonas Sahl Jørgensen

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