Tree Energy Solutions’ (TES) Wilhelmshaven LNG import terminal has been included in the list of priority projects under the German Government’s LNG Acceleration law.
This law was passed on 19th May, 2022 and was approved by the Federal Council a day later. Its aim is to accelerate the implementation of the critical infrastructure needed to secure Germany’s energy supply and its short-term gas imports.
It was designed to reduce permitting and associated approval periods for the construction of onshore import facilities, as part of the Wilhelmshaven Green Energy Hub, development by TES, specifically on the Voslapper Groden location.
The speed up will support the targeted commencement of operations of gas imports from 2025 onwards to secure German gas supplies, TES said. Subsequently, fossil-gas imports will be replaced by fossil-free hydrogen-based green gas imports to de-carbonise and diversify the energy system from 2028 onwards.
TES has been preparing for the required permits and to clarify nature protection measures since 2019.
The Wilhelmshaven terminal will comprise six ship berths, 1.6 mill cu m of onshore storage capacity, using eight onsite tanks (of which four will be available during the initial stage), regasification equipment and the main connection to the OGE gas grid.
It will play a key role in reducing Germany’s energy dependence on Russia, as well as in the move to obtain fossil-free energy imports, based on green hydrogen, TES said.
Paul van Poecke, TES Co-Founder and Managing Director, said: “We are delighted that the German government has included the TES onshore terminal in the new LNG law. It is a recognition of the importance the project will play in ensuring the security of gas supply, while concurrently accelerating the energy transition and fossil-free gas imports.
“This will also bring clarity to the open season participants that are currently considering the booking of capacity through our terminal. The trust placed in us by the Government is greatly appreciated and a reward for leading the development of the onshore terminal at Wilhelmshaven,” he said.
