Travel later this week: Habeck is campaigning for energy in Qatar and the Emirates

Travel later this week
Habeck is campaigning for energy in Qatar and the Emirates

In search of a way out of Germany’s dependence on Russian gas, Federal Economics Minister Habeck travels to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. He is seeking talks with those in power there in order to finally break away from Russia’s President Putin.

Federal Economics Minister Robert Habeck is traveling to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates this weekend. The visit is part of efforts to reduce dependence on Russian energy imports following Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine. Qatar is one of the world’s largest exporters of liquefied natural gas (LNG). So far, however, the vast majority has gone to Asia.

The Greens politician said the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine has also put the issue of energy security at the center of international discussion. “More than ever we have to promote a global energy transition and are currently pushing ahead with the diversification of natural gas sources. On the one hand, we need more liquefied natural gas in the short term and temporarily and want to land this at our own German terminals.”

On the other hand, the future conversion from conventional natural gas to “green” hydrogen must be initiated even faster, said Habeck. “This works best in a European and international network. Our partners in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates are of central importance for both.”

Qatar are accused of human rights

Habeck initially flies to Qatar on Saturday, as the ministry announced. In the capital, Doha, he is received by the Emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Talks with ministers are also planned. On Sunday we continue to the UAE, where Habeck wants to meet several ministers. According to the ministry, he will be accompanied by a high-ranking business delegation on the trip, which lasts until Monday.

In addition to questions of economic relations, the human rights situation will also play a role in the talks on the trip, it said. Qatar, host of this year’s soccer World Cup, has repeatedly been accused of exploiting migrant workers. The government in Doha rejects the criticism and points to numerous reforms that have improved the situation of foreign workers.

According to business associations, Qatar could play an important role in reducing Germany’s dependence on Russian gas. However, there are also obstacles. The general manager of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), Martin Wansleben, told the German Press Agency that more liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries are crucial for the security of supply for German companies. “Qatar has the potential to partially replace Russian gas supplies with additional volumes.”

According to business associations, Qatar could play an important role in reducing Germany’s dependence on Russian gas. However, there are also obstacles. The general manager of the Association of German Chambers of Industry and Commerce (DIHK), Martin Wansleben, told the German Press Agency that more liquefied natural gas (LNG) deliveries are crucial for the security of supply for German companies: “Qatar has the potential to partially supply Russian gas with additional quantities to replace.”

Experts warn of transport problems

Timm Kehler, head of the industry association Zukunft Gas, says that Qatar is currently investing heavily in expanding its already large export capacities. However, a large part of the LNG from Qatar is currently going to the Asia-Pacific region. “So Europe will enter price competition with Asia here.” Qatar wants to secure its high investments in the long term and conclude correspondingly long supply contracts. Politically, however, in recent years Europe has strongly insisted on short-term procurement and has obstructed long-term contractual relationships through various regulations. “This contradiction must be resolved, otherwise the planned procurement of LNG will be very expensive.”

The Federal Association of Energy and Water Industries emphasized that producers in the USA, Qatar and Australia in particular are able to expand their supply at short notice. “It is therefore possible to purchase additional quantities of liquefied natural gas – although the prices are likely to be high.”

Wansleben said there have been significant obstacles to transportation so far. Despite a constantly growing LNG tanker fleet, there are significant capacity problems. “In addition, there is the question of delivery.” Germany currently does not have its own LNG terminal. The federal government wants to promote the construction of terminals. Wansleben said the permitting and construction processes for the terminals would need to be significantly accelerated in order to be operational as early as 2023/2024.

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