German LNG terminal linked to Nord Stream infrastructure to open in 2024 – Kommersant

Germany plans to open the Baltic Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Terminal by early 2024. According to sources Bloombergit will be connected to the infrastructure of the now defunct Nord Stream pipeline.

Sources of the publication claim that the plan was discussed on Thursday, April 20, at a closed meeting between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Economy Minister Robert Habek. The meeting was also attended by unnamed representatives of the four organizations, who briefed Bloomberg.

At the meeting, according to Bloomberg, Robert Habek concluded that the pipeline, which is planned to be built, will connect the LNG terminal on the island of Rügen to the community of Lubmin by spring 2024. The information was confirmed to the agency by several organizations, including Baltic Sea Reports, BUND and Environmental Action Germany.

As the agency notes, on April 20, the Ministry of Economy of Germany reported that the government had purchased pipes left over from the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline that had not been put into operation. In February Die Welt Am Sonntag wrote that the government was negotiating the purchase of 3,000 pipes with Nord Stream AG, the operator of Nord Stream 2.

The pipes are intended for the construction of a 40-kilometer line that will be connected to the LNG terminal on Rügen. The local authorities on the island of Rügen opposed the project because of the detrimental environmental impacts.

The need to build an LNG terminal in Germany arose after solutions authorities to rebuild the gas infrastructure. This happened against the background of decreasing dependence on Russian supplies. Prior to the start of the special operation, Russia covered 55% of Germany’s gas supply needs. First the LNG receiving terminal in Germany opened on December 17, 2022, second — January 14, 2023.

Lusine Balasyan