German LNG import terminals: New facilities planned in Stade, Wilhelmshaven and Brunsbüttel

New German LNG terminal in Stade – Impact and controversies

Construction of Germany's first onshore LNG import terminal has officially begun in Stade and is scheduled to be completed by 2027. This major project is being implemented by several private companies and is estimated to cost around one billion euros. Lower Saxony's Prime Minister Stephan Weil and Czech Industry Minister Jozef Síkela have announced their attendance at the symbolic groundbreaking ceremony.

LNG (liquefied natural gas) will be imported into Germany in large quantities as part of this project. The Czech energy company CEZ has already booked LNG deliveries for the terminal in Stade. Despite the economic importance of the project, environmental associations such as BUND criticize the construction because it creates long-term dependence on fossil fuels and contradicts climate goals.

The plans for land terminals in Stade, Wilhelmshaven and Brunsbüttel illustrate the trend to replace floating terminals with more efficient land-based facilities. This is a response to geopolitical events such as the Russian attack on Ukraine, which is driving the diversification of energy imports.

According to the Federal Ministry of Economics, the terminal in Wilhelmshaven is expected to go into operation in 2028, while Brunsbüttel is scheduled to start operations in early 2027. The introduction of LNG into the German natural gas network will enable a more flexible and secure energy supply.

An important aspect in the discussion about LNG is the global dimension of trade in this energy source. Countries such as the USA, Australia and Qatar dominate the market, while Germany has a relatively low share of LNG imports compared to other countries.

The increasing demand for LNG and the challenges associated with climate protection are at the centre of controversial debates. While supporters emphasise the advantages of LNG as an efficient energy source, critics see the development as part of a worrying trend towards increased use of fossil fuels.