LNG terminal in regular operation
Eastern Commissioner hopes for falling gas prices
April 10, 2024, 3:47 p.m
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The federal government is actively pushing forward the construction of gas import facilities. But critics see the plans as excessive. After the approval of regular operations at the terminal in the port of Mukran, Eastern Commissioner Schneider expects several positive effects.
The Eastern Commissioner Carsten Schneider welcomed the rapid approval of the liquid gas terminal on the island of Rügen – and is now hoping for falling gas prices. “German and European energy independence and security of supply have been significantly strengthened,” said the SPD politician in Berlin. “This new pace in Germany was made possible thanks to the professional work of the local authorities.”
The Western Pomerania State Environmental Agency had previously approved regular operations at the terminal in the port of Mukran. This means that the operator Deutsche ReGas can land liquid natural gas – often referred to as LNG after the English term – on Rügen and feed it into the German distribution network after it has been converted into gas.
Critics are skeptical
Schneider recalled that Russia stopped supplying natural gas to Germany in late summer 2022. “The construction of the terminal and the relocation of the pipeline to the mainland within a few months is at the same time a contribution to stabilizing and further reducing energy prices for citizens and thus also secures the competitiveness and future prospects of many companies in Germany,” said the State Minister.
In the future, green hydrogen could also be landed via the infrastructure in the port of Mukran, Schneider added. The reconstruction of the Mukran port is therefore a great opportunity for the region. Critics such as Deutsche Umwelthilfe doubt that this terminal is necessary to supply Germany with enough gas. Tourism experts also fear that ecosystems in front of and on Rügen will be put under unnecessary strain.