Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) facility in Wilhelmshaven now in active service - Operational Status: Second LNG Terminal in Wilhelmshaven Now Active
Operational Second LNG Terminal Strengthens Germany's Energy Security
In a significant development for Germany's energy sector, the second floating terminal for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) in Wilhelmshaven has commenced operations. The terminal, which was officially opened in the presence of Lower Saxony's Ministers of Economics, Grant Hendrik Tonne (SPD), and Environment, Christian Meyer (Greens), received its first LNG shipment on Friday.
To convert the liquefied natural gas into a gaseous state suitable for the German grid, the ship "Excelsior" heatingly transforms the LNG with seawater onboard. The gaseous LNG is then pumped ashore for distribution.
The importance of this LNG terminal expansion lies in strengthening Germany's energy security. Minister of Economics, Grant Hendrik Tonne, expressed, "Today is a significant day as we take a major step forward." With this second terminal in Wilhelmshaven, Germany moves closer to achieving energy independence from Russian gas supplies.
In addition to the terminal in Brunsbüttel and the privately operated terminal in Mukran on Rügen, the "Excelsior" marks the fourth LNG terminal in Germany. However, plans for a fifth terminal in Stade have been delayed. Federal Minister of Economics, Kathrina Reiche (CDU), stated, "Gas remains of great importance for Germany's energy supply in the foreseeable future."
The "Excelsior," at 277 meters long, arrived in Wilhelmshaven a month ago, following which a test operation began on the ship. Initial plans projected the terminal's operation in the first half of 2024, but due to delays, it finally began operations. The process from planning to commissioning took two and a half years.
Germany's LNG terminals, collectively, make up around eight percent of the country's total gas supply. Environmentalists have criticized the expansion of Germany's LNG terminal infrastructure as disproportionate. Yet, Minister Tonne countered that the terminals also provide additional import opportunities during peak consumption or crisis situations.
Distinguishing itself from the first Wilhelmshaven terminal, where bio-cide in the form of chlorine is used for cleaning, the second terminal utilizes ultrasound technology. This is considered environmentally friendly from an perspective as it prevents seawater systems from growing with algae and mussels. Federal Minister of Environment, Christian Meyer, expressed his approval, emphasizing the environmental benefits of the technology.
This year, the new terminal is expected to receive and feed up to 1.9 billion cubic meters of gas into the network. In the coming years, the terminal's capacity is planned to be increased to up to 4.67 billion cubic meters per year, enough to power approximately 3.7 million homes.
WilhelmshavenEnergy SupplyLiquefied Natural GasGermanyImport TerminalLower SaxonyChristian MeyerSPDRöttgenCleaningBrunsbüttel
In light of this development, it's worth mentioning that the EC countries could benefit from vocational training programs to equip workers with the necessary skills for managing and maintaining such LNG terminals.
To further secure Germany's energy independence, potential collaborations between these LNG terminals and local industries could be explored for the financing of future expansions and technological advancements in the energy sector.
