Germany scales back LNG terminal plans as supply crisis eases

Germany has downgraded its planned capacity for liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals in the Baltic Sea, according to a government source, due to opposition from local groups and an easing of energy shortages. The plan was initially to build two floating LNG terminals with a capacity of 18 billion cubic metres but they will now have a capacity of around 10 billion cubic meters. Deutsche Regas will replace energy supplier RWE as operator of the fuel stations in the popular tourist area of Rügen.
Last year, Germany pushed to accelerate the build-out of its LNG infrastructure after Moscow invaded Ukraine and a sudden drop in Russian gas imports into Europe’s largest economy exposed Berlin’s dependence on Russia. In the past year, Wilhelmshaven, Brunsbüttel and Lubmin have all had floating terminals built, approved and put into operation with Berlin looking to replace them with permanent stations from 2026.

Berlin also dismissed criticism from environmental groups about the planned overcapacity, saying the German ports would also supply European neighbours. Germany is keen to address the country’s fragile energy security following the decision to phase out nuclear reactors in the wake of the Fukushima disaster in Japan and the country has said this would only be possible by promoting the growth of renewable energy sources and increasing its supply of natural gas.

Tags: germany,LNG


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