Germany’s private operator of liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals, Deutsche ReGas, has secured the go-ahead for the permanent operation of an energy terminal in Mukran with two floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) using onboard gas generators.
While announcing the completion of the permit amendment process, Deutsche ReGas confirmed the receipt of approval from the State Office for Agriculture and Environment of Western Pomerania (StALU) for the permanent operation of the energy terminal in Mukran, on the German Baltic Sea, known as Deutsche Ostsee, in Germany.
Based on this permit amendment, the LNG terminal can be operated permanently with onboard gas generators. This asset has been operating with these onboard gas generators since its commissioning, which was initially possible under the existing permit dated April 9, 2024, and subsequently with extensions.
The granted permit amendment is perceived to transform this operating arrangement from a temporary to a permanent permit. Deutsche ReGas claims that this energy concept has proven successful in ongoing operations, as the permitted limits, particularly noise limits, are being met.
“A secure legal framework for the operation, which has proven successful since its commissioning in early 2023, is of paramount importance to Deutsche ReGas,” emphasized Ingo Wagner , Managing Partner of Deutsche ReGas.
“Now the process can be successfully completed. This allows us to concentrate on our core business and secure the gas supply for up to 13 million households. At the same time, there is certainty that the operating limits of the permit will be met for the ship’s own gas generators.”
The German LNG terminal operator claims that around 21 TWh have been fed into the German long-distance gas network during the current heating season via the Deutsche Ostsee energy terminal since October, making it the largest injection point for LNG in the country, and the only location in eastern Germany to do so.
The company believes that this LNG terminal will be among the most powerful floating LNG terminals in Europe during the winter of 2025/2026. The terminal featured two regasification vessels, FSRU Neptune and FSRU Energos Power , before the contract for the latter was terminated . Deutsche ReGas felt the LNG pricing policy by the Deutsche Energy Terminal (DET) was detrimental to the German market.
The firm also recently began a legal battle to challenge the European Commission’s approval of the €4.96 billion subsidy scheme for LNG terminals, emphasizing that it harms competition and weakens gas security.