LNG terminal on Rügen: Standstill despite high expectations

LNG terminal on Rügen: Standstill despite high expectations

The Baltic Sea remains surprisingly quiet at the beginning of the operation of the new LNG terminal on Rügen. Neither was a solemn reception nor media appearances of the great political leaders to observe how it was the case when the terminal in Lubmin started. While Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig in Lubmin have made a sign of the future of energy in Lubmin, the start in Mukran, an industrial port, was almost unnoticed.

Technical restrictions and effects on the energy industry

The operating company German regas currently has to deal with reality that no gas is yet available in the terminal. The port is currently unused because the announced LNG tankers-which are necessary for the company-are not in sight. According to Constantin Zerger from the German Environmental Aid (DUH), there is currently little demand. He further stated that the gas stores in Germany are well filled, which reduces the urgency of the LNG deliveries. This situation raises questions about the need and future of the terminal, especially in a changing energy market.

Obstacles in regular operation

The challenges not only limit themselves to the lack of gas flow, but also affect the organizational aspects of the company. The Schwerin Ministry of the Environment had announced the commissioning of regular operation for August 5. Despite this announcement, a spokesman for German regas said that regular operation could not begin on the planned date, since coordination measures with various partners had not yet been completed. This ambiguity leads to uncertainty among potential gas suppliers and investors.

Legal resistance and the future of the terminal

The resistance to the terminal does not make the situation easier. The DUH has submitted legal steps against the operating permit and signals that all legal means should be exploited. These legal disputes could also delay the start of the company and throw a light on the concerns associated with the LNG project. The discussion about environmental compatibility and the need for liquefied gas systems will continue to become more important in the coming months.

Social relevance of the LNG-Projekt

The LNG project on Rügen could have far-reaching effects on regional and national energy policy. Against the background of geopolitical developments and the need to be able to diversify energy sources, such projects are of strategic relevance. However, experts warn that insufficient demand and technical problems question the originally set goals. This makes it clear that the future of such energy projects is still uncertain and a more intensive discussion about the best ways to ensure energy supply is necessary.