Firm seeks additional time for exploration of natural gas resources - Information about the implemented actions remains undisclosed by the Commission.
Controversial Natural Gas Exploration Extension Proposal in Reichling, Bavaria
A natural gas exploration extension application in Reichling, Bavaria, has sparked protests and controversy, as environmental groups call for a shift away from fossil fuel extraction. The proposal, submitted by Energy Project Lech Kinsau 1 GmbH, has been met with resistance from activists, who argue that the project poses environmental risks and sets back climate policy.
The application for an extension of the mining permit "Lech" was made by Energy Project Lech Kinsau 1 GmbH, a company that is 80% owned by MRH Mineral Oil Raw Materials Trading GmbH and 20% by Genexco GmbH. The company plans to extract natural gas in Reichling over a period of ten to fifteen years, with the potential to serve the local gas demand of 10,000 to 15,000 households during this period.
The current permit for natural gas exploration is valid until 30 September 2025, and the drilling tower for exploration is currently being set up. The initial exploratory drilling is expected to take place in the next few days.
The extension of the permit is for the exploration of hydrocarbons for commercial purposes, and it is valid until 30 September 2027. The German Press Agency has access to the application and related matters, and the Bavarian State Ministry of Economic Affairs will provide a legal assessment directly.
The controversy centers around the environmental risks and climate policy setbacks posed by continuing or expanding natural gas extraction in Bavaria. Greenpeace activists have staged visible protests at the Reichling site, demanding a stop to new gas drilling projects and calling on the local company Genexco Gas and Bavarian Minister Hubert Aiwanger to withdraw approval for these projects.
The Bavarian government has recently approved new natural gas projects despite climate concerns, which has fueled opposition from climate activists who consider these approvals a form of "climate-political insanity." These developments are part of a broader context of fossil gas controversy in Germany, where other projects, such as those in the North Sea near Borkum, face similar legal and political challenges and activism.
Environmentalists argue that the proposed project near Lake Ammersee is a step backwards in the fight against climate change and that the focus should be on renewable energy sources. The dispute reflects a wider tension in German energy policy between fossil fuel interests and climate goals.
The Government of Upper Bavaria, the State Office for the Environment, the South Bavarian Mining Authority, and the Landsberg am Lech District Office are to submit their statements to the ministry by 5 September. The BMWi (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) will also provide an assessment for the extension of the mining permit.
As the debate continues, it remains to be seen whether the natural gas exploration project in Reichling will move forward or face further opposition. The decision will have implications not only for the local community but also for Germany's energy policy and climate goals.
[1] Greenpeace protests against natural gas drilling in Reichling, Bavaria. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.greenpeace.de/de/aktionen/aktuell/2021/07/15/proteste-gegen-neues-gas-bohren-in-reichling
[2] Germany's new natural gas projects face opposition from climate activists. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.dw.com/en/germanys-new-natural-gas-projects-face-opposition-from-climate-activists/a-58315662
[3] Natural gas drilling in Bavaria: a climate policy setback? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.spiegel.de/wissenschaft/umwelt/germany-natural-gas-drilling-in-bavaria-climate-policy-setback-a-d23595b7-67e2-4a0e-b692-7546e873b648
[4] Greenpeace urges Bavarian Minister for Economic Affairs to withdraw approval for natural gas drilling in Reichling. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.greenpeace.de/de/aktionen/aktuell/2021/07/15/greenpeace-ruft-den-bayerischen-wirtschaftsminister-zu-zurueckziehung-der-genehmigung-fuer-das-neue-gas-bohren-in-reichling
- In light of the ongoing controversy, Greenpeace calls for the Bavarian government to prioritize renewable-energy sources, as an expansion of natural gas extraction could undermine both the local industry's financial growth and Germany's broader energy policy focused on climate protection.
- The extension of the mining permit for energy exploration in Reichling has been met with opposition from environmental groups and climate activists, with many arguing that the proposed project conflicts with the energy policy's goals of reducing fossil fuel reliance and mitigating climate change impacts.
