Earlier than expected, Germany will open its first LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven this weekend. This is a special 294-metre-long LNG tanker that will remain permanently at the Wilhelmshaven dock and will act as a floating platform to bring the LNG supplied by the tankers ashore and convert it to the gaseous state.
It is expected that 7.5 billion cubic meters of gas will reach the LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven each year. Demand in Germany, however, is estimated at 100 billion cubic meters of gas per year, a large part of which is accounted for by German industry.
Strategic autonomy
According to German correspondent Derk Marseille, this vessel is a first German step towards energy autonomy. Because the Germans can now close LNG deals anywhere in the world and take them home with them. This is not necessarily good news for the Netherlands which, with Rotterdam and Eemshaven, play an important role in the import of LNG.
Germany is currently building 11 LNG terminals, 8 of these terminals are chartered special vessels. Besides Wilhelmshaven, they are stationed in Stade, Lubmin (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) and Brunsbüttel (Schleswig-Holstein). The Dutch Gasunie is involved in the Brunsbüttel terminal, which is also to be put into operation by the end of this year.
Crucial
According to Marseille, the first gas on the ship is to be converted from liquid to gas just before Christmas. However, the gas that is converted each year is not enough to satisfy Germany’s gas appetite: it corresponds to about 5% of needs. The Germans make it a festive opening, including the commissioning of the terminal by Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.
The German government is doing everything possible to reduce its dependence on Russia. There is a lot in storage and that seemed like enough, but when it got cold, the Germans used up one percent of the gas storage in one day. Next winter will therefore be crucial.’
Environmental damage
One major drawback of the new Wilhemshaven terminal is that the pipes through which the gas flows are being cleaned with chlorine, which is then pumped directly into the North Sea and Wadden Sea. At reportedly around 35 tons of chlorine a year, environmental groups such as BUND and NABU have announced they will thoroughly investigate the permits, which have been public since Monday, and reserve the right to take legal action.
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Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
