At the location of the LNG terminal planned by the federal government, Habeck is again promoting the project. His Schwerin colleague now sees the need. But that alone is not decisive.
Even after the second visit by Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) to the island of Rügen within around three weeks, the struggle for a terminal for liquefied natural gas (LNG) planned there continues. From the point of view of Reinhard Meyer (SPD), Minister for Economic Affairs in Schwerin, the federal government has proven the need. After a meeting in Mukran with Habeck and representatives from the community, business and associations, he said: “The assessment does not just include the need.”
The country needs concrete documents and concrete projects. There are conflicts with tourism and nature conservation and these must be evaluated by the state government. When asked, Meyer did not say how long this evaluation would take.
Habeck campaigned again for the project. With regard to security of supply, the federal government is “sure that we are not done yet”. Last winter was survived well, among other things because of mild temperatures and frugality. Only about a quarter of the import capacities lost from Russia have been replaced.
“Neptune” could be moved to Mukran
According to federal plans, two special ships for converting and feeding in liquefied natural gas are to be stationed in the already industrially used port of Mukran in the east of the island. “That’s one less than our original plans,” said Habeck. The ships are said to be operated by Deutsche Regas. “RWE will then no longer play a role.” With the special ship “Neptune”, Deutsche Regas already operates a floating terminal in Lubmin in western Pomerania.
According to the federal government, the “Neptune” could be relocated to Mukran. “The ships should be packed in such a way that they look like one, i.e. lie next to each other,” said Habeck. “Biocides are not used.”
A pipeline around 50 kilometers long is to connect Mukran to Lubmin. The defunct German-Russian pipelines Nord Stream 1 and 2 land here, and there are several large-capacity lines for onward distribution. Habeck showed understanding for the concerns of tourism and nature conservationists on site. “But in the end we have to act for Germany and security of supply must be guaranteed.”
The minister drew attention to the tight schedule for the project. “If we want to do it this year, we would have to start building in the summer.” Nobody can guarantee success. “Too much time has passed for that.” In addition, complaints for accelerated approval procedures would have to be included in the LNG Acceleration Act (LNGG). In order for the Bundestag to be able to decide before the summer break, there must be a corresponding cabinet decision in May, said Habeck.
Concerns about the environment and tourism
This week it became known that the federal government favored Mukran in the east of the island as a terminal location. Critics, especially on the island, are not convinced of the need for a terminal and fear for the environment and tourism, which is particularly important for Rügen. Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) and Habeck came to the island in April to promote the terminal.
Karsten Schneider, mayor of the neighboring Baltic Sea resort of Binz, announced a referendum on the subject after the meeting. The federal government once again failed to provide convincing evidence of the need for the terminal, it said in a statement. Binz also called on other municipalities on the island to initiate referendums. The upcoming local elections in the north-east next spring is a good time. Until then, the project should be put on hold, the community demanded.
Schneider admitted that such decisions would have no formal impact on the project. But they documented the will of the population. Binz had also previously announced legal action in the event that Rügen was included in the LNGG.
Source: Stern
