Environmental group criticizes new LNG terminal in Stade

The environmental organization Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) has strongly criticized the plans to introduce another liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal ship in Stade. The state-owned company Deutsche Energy Terminal GmbH announced its intention to put a new LNG terminal ship into operation in Stade starting in September 2026.

According to DUH's Federal Managing Director Sascha Müller-Kraenner, an additional LNG terminal is "the last thing Germany needs from an energy policy perspective." He emphasized that the federal government's strategy to secure supply through LNG deliveries has failed. Instead, Germany has created new, one-sided supplier relationships, with over 90 percent of imports last year coming from the USA. This exposes Germany to the risks of American "energy dominance" and makes it vulnerable to blackmail. Furthermore, the situation in the Middle East and a potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz increase supply risks and costs.

Müller-Kraenner stressed that the utilization rate of the already existing terminals is only "mediocre." He urged the government to abandon the plans, which he describes as "cost-driving" and "risky," and to cancel the commissioning of the floating terminal in Stade.

The floating terminal in Stade was originally planned for commissioning in 2023 but has been delayed several times. The ship, "Energos Force," is now expected to commence operations with a three-year delay in the autumn.