In Berlin there is currently a debate about how Germany can free itself from its dependence on Russian energy imports. Finance Minister Lindner is now bringing another proposal into play.
In view of the tensions with Russia, FDP leader and Federal Finance Minister Christian Lindner has brought further oil and gas production in the North Sea into play.
“But we also have to question the coalition agreement’s stipulation that we do not want to continue mining oil and gas in the North Sea,” he told the “Tagesspiegel” (Sunday). «Due to the development of world market prices, this seems to be becoming more economical. At least for a transitional period, we will still need oil and gas.”
Krischer: Check everything in the current situation
State Secretary Oliver Krischer from the Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection was open: “You have to check everything now, including a speed limit and additional funding in the North Sea. In the current situation, everyone must be ready to jump over their own shadow so that the security of supply is improved, »explained the Green politician. One examines under which conditions an increase in oil and gas production in Germany is possible in the short term. “The additional quantities until the beginning of next winter should be manageable. We are also examining such measures that can be used to achieve short-term reductions in consumption, above all a speed limit.”
In the coalition agreement, the SPD, Greens and FDP had agreed not to issue any new permits for oil and gas drilling “beyond the framework operating permits granted for the German North Sea and Baltic Sea”.
The environmental organization Greenpeace dismissed Lindner’s considerations as a “fog candle”. The oil production of oil in the North Sea currently covered about two percent of the demand in Germany, explained Manfred Santen. “Even if all currently known oil deposits in the German North Sea were to be developed, the quantities suspected there could cover current German oil requirements for just about two months.” In addition, the deposits are located in the strictly protected Wadden Sea National Park, and possible accidents would have catastrophic effects. What is needed instead is a rapid expansion of renewable energies.
Source: Stern
Jane Stock is a technology author, who has written for 24 Hours World. She writes about the latest in technology news and trends, and is always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to improve his audience’s experience.
