Dispute over the LNG terminal in Mukran: Environmental protection demands more transparency!

Dispute over the LNG terminal in Mukran: Environmental protection demands more transparency!

In Mukran on Rügen there is currently a heated dispute over the approval to change the LNG terminal. Loud n-tv The focus is on the objections of German Environmental Aid (DUH), which criticizes the insufficient public participation. The application documents, which total over 2,000 pages, can only be viewed in printed form and only on site in Stralsund and Sassnitz. According to DUH managing director Sascha Müller-Kraenner, the opportunity to inspect the data is severely limited.

The planned change in the original application is particularly explosive: Instead of installing a shore power connection using combined heat and power (CHP) as initially planned, Deutsche Regas now wants to use generators that generate electricity and thus cause emissions. This decision has met with sharp criticism from environmentalists. In addition, the Ministry of the Environment plans to retrofit the terminal with catalytic converters and noise insulation devices.

Publicity and transparency

Another point of contention concerns the accessibility of the digital application documents. While these are only available to authorities, environmentalists are calling for broader access to the public. However, the Ministry of the Environment rejects the allegations and emphasizes that the application documents are interpreted in physical form. Environment Minister Till Backhaus emphasizes that transparency and participation are guaranteed within the framework of the existing regulations.

The reasons for the expansion of the LNG infrastructure in Germany are clear: a decline in gas deliveries from Russia after the Ukraine war has increased the need for alternative energy sources. How fr.de reports, Germany is planning up to 13 LNG terminals to ensure energy security. American LNG plays a key role as an alternative to Russian gas. 84% of the gas that ends up in German terminals already comes from the USA.

Emissions under the microscope

However, the environmental impact of LNG cannot be ignored. US scientist Robert W. Howarth warns that greenhouse gas emissions from LNG can be up to 274% higher than those from coal, a painful wake-up call for many. The emissions caused by fracking in the USA contribute significantly to this problem. Methane, which contributes 38% of emissions, and CO₂ with around 34%, are the focus of consideration.

How the development of the LNG infrastructure will continue remains to be seen. Currently, many terminals in Germany, including Mukran, are not fully operational and are only operating at 48% of their capacity, data from the second quarter of 2024 shows.

Overall, it is clear that the discussion about LNG not only includes technical aspects, but also raises the question of how transparent and sustainable the energy transition can actually be. These issues will remain important in the future as markets and geopolitical conditions continue to change.