RWE’s role in the construction of a terminal for liquefied natural gas
In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine and triggered extensive discussions about Europe’s dependence on Russian gas. Securing the energy supply became the focus of policy. “Diversification“ was the demand: more gas supplies should come from countries outside Russia and more liquefied natural gas (”LNG”) had to be ordered on the global market.
Implementation of the plans progressed quickly: Germany decided to build two terminals for LNG to ensure a secure energy supply for the country. Wihelmshaven and Brunsbüttel were chosen as two locations. RWE played a big role in the construction plans: Already in March RWE and partners signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the joint construction of a terminal for the import of liquefied natural gas at the site in Brunsbüttel.
In line with our clear path towards climate neutrality, a key focus for us is the subsequent conversion of the terminal to enable the import of green molecules. Brunsbüttel can thus also become a flagship project for the decarbonisation of our industrial society. Markus Krebber, Chief Executive Officer of RWE AG
Read more on the construction of the Brunsbüttelterminal
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Two floating LNG terminals as interim
As an interim solution, before construction commenced and the terminal could be put to use, RWE chartered two so-called Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRU). FSRUs are special ships for landing liquefied natural gas (LNG) until the first LNG terminals on the German mainland are completed. RWE took over operational responsibility. Elbehafen (Elbe port) in Brunsbüttel was chosen as a suitable unloading site.
The endeavor was called the “Elbehafen project” and was realised in record time. The terminal was put into operation by RWE and from 20 January 2023 on liquefied natural gas (LNG) has been imported directly to Germany via Brunsbüttel.
In this way, the company is supporting the German government in strengthening the security of supply in Germany in the short term and in moving away from a one-sided energy dependency as quickly as possible. Andree Stracke, Chairman of the Executive Board of RWE Supply & Trading
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By January 1, 2024, RWE handed over the LNG infrastructure built in Brunsbüttel to the federally owned Deutsche Energy Terminal GmbH (DET) as was always intended.
LNG tanker “ISH” moored next to the Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) “Hoegh Gannet” in the Elbe port of Brunsbüttel (Copyright: Brunsbüttel Ports GmbH).
This is how a floating LNG terminal (FSRU) works.