Shifts in developments at Rügen's LNG facility
The LNG terminal in Mukran, operated by Deutsche Regas, has been making headlines for its significant contributions to Germany's natural gas storage facilities. However, questions surrounding the terminal's environmental impact and operational challenges continue to mount.
The high performance of the Mukran LNG terminal is undeniable. In the second quarter of 2025, it reached a nationwide peak value in its feed-in performance, exceeding ten terawatt hours. This impressive feat made Deutsche Regas' terminal the top performer among all LNG import terminals in Germany.
Despite this, the State Office for Agriculture and Environment (StALU) in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern has not responded to repeated inquiries from the German Environmental Action Group (DUH) regarding the terminal's emissions and noise data. The office stated that a release of such monitoring data is "currently not possible" due to it being protected business and operational information from the terminal operator Deutsche Regas.
The ongoing silence from the State Office has raised concerns among environmental advocates. DUH is questioning why the authority has not responded to their inquiries, and is calling on Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Environment Minister Till Backhaus to make the evidence public or halt operations until potential impacts on the environment and people are fully investigated.
The Mukran LNG terminal was originally only permitted to operate from 2025 with shore power supply. However, it has exceeded its transition period for operation without shore power supply, using generators instead. This arrangement has caused emissions and noise issues, which DUH has criticized the terminal for not addressing.
The terminal's continued operation beyond the transition period without shore power supply could potentially have impacts on the environment and people. Ingo Wagner, Managing Partner of Deutsche Regas, acknowledged the company's terminal performance but did not address these concerns directly.
The situation at Mukran LNG terminal is complex, with disputes about noise disturbances in the region and operational defects like a compressor failure further complicating matters. The State Office has extended the deadline for compliance (landstrom connection) to the end of 2025, but the change permit needed for the operation without landstrom is still pending.
Despite these challenges, the high performance of the Mukran LNG terminal is seen as a significant signal for the economic location of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. However, ensuring the terminal operates in an environmentally friendly manner is crucial for maintaining the region's reputation and the health of its residents.
- The Mukran LNG terminal's superior performance, despite environmental concerns, has a notable impact on Germany's financial sector, as demonstrated by the increase in energy supply.
- The ongoing absence of emissions and noise data from the State Office for Agriculture and Environment (StALU) has raised worries in the industry and environmental-science sectors, as stakeholders question the terminal's transparency and environmental impact.
- To maintain a sustainable growth in the energy sector and the reputation of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, it's essential for the Mukran LNG terminal to address its operational challenges and environmental concerns proactively, ensuring the well-being of its community and the region's eco-friendly endeavors.
