Among other things, the DUH is bothered by the terminal’s unlimited operating license from the Lower Saxony authorities, “although the German phase-out of natural gas must already be planned in order to comply with the 1.5-degree limit.” There is also a risk of “massive overcapacity” and thus exceeding the permissible CO2 emissions in the energy sector, although gas consumption will have to fall massively in the coming year. Last but not least, the introduction of large quantities of biocide was permitted, but that should be prohibited.
The DUH will “enforce all of this with legal means if necessary,” it said. For all other projects, a “pause for thought” is also necessary, the environmentalists demanded. “Before construction continues, all projects must be checked for their climate impacts and the federal government must submit an overall concept that ensures compliance with the climate targets.”
The special ship “Höegh Esperanza” required for the terminal arrived in Wilhelmshaven on Thursday. The so-called Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRU) take liquefied natural gas (LNG) from tankers and convert it into gas while still on board. Then it can be fed into the grid.
The federal government has chartered the “Höegh Esperanza”. The Uniper Group operates the LNG terminal on behalf of the state together with partner companies. In addition to the Wilhelmshaven site, the government has leased four other floating liquid gas terminals. There is also a private-sector project in Lubmin.
