German authorities are concerned about delaying the installation of a large new floating LNG terminal. Due to opposition from local authorities, the plant may not operate this winter.
Economics Minister Robert Habeck says the delay could pose problems for the availability of natural gas for Germany.
The new LNG terminal will be located in a port on the island of Rügen, which is part of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Hebeck urges the state government to speed up the commissioning process. But the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern doesn’t just issue a permit. She first wants to see what the consequences are for the environment.
“Gas supplies must be planned in such a way that delivery is safe even in the event of exceptionally cold weather or pipeline problems,” the minister wrote. “Otherwise, there is a risk of endless price increases, supply problems and serious economic damage, which will mainly affect East Germany.”
Germany suffered a lot last year from Russia cutting gas supplies after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Germany then acquired three LNG terminals. The terminals can make liquefied gas suitable for gas pipelines.
The Mecklenburg-Vorpommern administration does not appear to be the only one protesting. A neighboring municipality also asked the court to stop building a pipeline to the station.