LNG facility in Wilhelmshaven now active for second terminal operation. - LNG Terminal in Wilhelmshaven commence operation for second time
Operational Second LNG Terminal in Wilhelmshaven Strengthens Germany's Energy Security
Wilhelmshaven, Germany
In the presence of Lower Saxony's Minister of Economics, Grant Hendrik Tonne (SPD), and Minister of the Environment, Christian Meyer (Greens), the second floating LNG import terminal in Wilhelmshaven was inaugurated. Peter Röttgen, CEO of Deutsche Energy Terminal Gesellschaft (DET), announced that the terminal had already welcomed its first delivery of liquefied natural gas (LNG) on Friday.
Situated on the Jade, the 277-meter-long "Excelsior" is the successor to the "Hoëgh Esperanza," which commenced operations at the end of last year. Alongside the terminal in Brunsbüttel and the privately operated terminal in Mukran on Rügen, the "Excelsior" forms the fourth LNG terminal in Germany. The launch of the fifth terminal in Stade has been delayed.
To convert the liquid gas delivered by tankers at -162 degrees Celsius into gas onboard the "Excelsior," seawater is utilized for warming. The resulting gaseous form is then pumped onshore. Federal Minister of Economics, Katherina Reiche (CDU), hailed the newly commissioned terminal as "an important step towards greater supply security, diversification of energy sources, and resilience of our country."
The launch of LNG terminals has been a priority for the German government, initiated in response to the Russian attack on Ukraine, in a bid to achieve independence from Russian gas supplies. Originally planned to be operational in the first half of 2024, the terminal's delay has extended its commissioning by several months.
Critics argue that the expansion of Germany's LNG terminal infrastructure may be disproportionate. However, Minster Tonne countered these concerns by emphasizing the terminal's role in offering more import options during peak consumption times or in crisis situations. The terminal's unique ultrasound technology, used for cleaning purposes, is a first in Europe for a floating storage regasification unit (FSRU), providing environmental benefits.
According to DET reports, approximately 1.9 billion cubic meters of gas is anticipated to be offloaded and fed into the network this year, with the terminal's capacity expected to increase to 4.67 billion cubic meters per year by 2027. This capacity is estimated to be sufficient to heat around 1.5 million four-person households annually.
Wilhelmshaven, Energy Supply, Liquefied Natural Gas, Germany, Import Terminal, Lower Saxony, Christian Meyer, SPD, Röttgen, Cleaning, Brunsbüttel
- As Germany strengthens its energy security with the operational second LNG terminal in Wilhelmshaven, there is potential for increased vocational training in the science and environmental-science sectors within the industry, as the terminal's unique ultrasound technology sets a new standard in cleaning processes for similar facilities in Europe.
- With the commissioning of these LNG terminals, Germany's finance sector may see growth, as the increased energy supply could stimulate economic activity and create more job opportunities, particularly in the vocational training programs for energy and engineering sectors.
- The growth of Germany's LNG terminal infrastructure, such as the one in Wilhelmshaven, could contribute to the country's energy transition towards renewable sources, as the revenue generated from these terminals could potentially be invested in energy research and innovation to promote sustainable and low-carbon industry practices.
