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German LNG terminal risks launch delay after rival's protest
来源：shippingazette 编辑：编辑部 发布：2023/08/30 16:55:09
A PROJECTED liquefied natural gas terminal at Germany's Baltic coast risks not starting in time for winter, with rival's opposition to the project prompting a government warning about the fragile state of the country's energy security, reports Bloomberg.
Lawyers also called for an environmental impact assessment, which would delay the terminal's opening.
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck warned of severe consequences if a second LNG terminal near the island of Rugen doesn't begin operations this winter as planned, pushing local authorities to move ahead with its construction.
"Gas supplies must be planned in such a way that deliveries are secured even in the event of particularly cold weather or supply bottlenecks via pipelines," said Mr Habeck.
"Otherwise, there is a risk of incalculable price increases, supply bottlenecks and severe economic damage, which would hit eastern Germany in particular," he said.
Germany launched three LNG terminals to stave off last year's energy crisis, and is aiming to open two more for the coming winter. The state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania - which has been critical of the Baltic project - commissioned lawyers who argued that it doesn't fall under legislation to fast-track permits, according to Mr Habeck's letter.
Mr Habeck urged the state to ensure that the necessary approval procedures are carried out "with the efficiency required by the crisis." A local municipality also said it had filed a complaint to the Federal Administrative Court to halt construction of an undersea pipeline for the terminal.
German gas storage operators have argued that additional LNG capacity is urgently needed to ensure energy security and smooth out potential strains from cold weather.
Lawyers also called for an environmental impact assessment, which would delay the terminal's opening.
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck warned of severe consequences if a second LNG terminal near the island of Rugen doesn't begin operations this winter as planned, pushing local authorities to move ahead with its construction.
"Gas supplies must be planned in such a way that deliveries are secured even in the event of particularly cold weather or supply bottlenecks via pipelines," said Mr Habeck.
"Otherwise, there is a risk of incalculable price increases, supply bottlenecks and severe economic damage, which would hit eastern Germany in particular," he said.
Germany launched three LNG terminals to stave off last year's energy crisis, and is aiming to open two more for the coming winter. The state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania - which has been critical of the Baltic project - commissioned lawyers who argued that it doesn't fall under legislation to fast-track permits, according to Mr Habeck's letter.
Mr Habeck urged the state to ensure that the necessary approval procedures are carried out "with the efficiency required by the crisis." A local municipality also said it had filed a complaint to the Federal Administrative Court to halt construction of an undersea pipeline for the terminal.
German gas storage operators have argued that additional LNG capacity is urgently needed to ensure energy security and smooth out potential strains from cold weather.