Natural gas revolution: 59 TWh strengthens the energy supply in Germany!

Natural gas revolution: 59 TWh strengthens the energy supply in Germany!

Deutsche Energy Terminal GmbH (DET) fed more than 59 terawatt hours (TWh) of natural gas into the German gas network by the end of November 2024. This amount significantly exceeds the feed-in values ​​of previous years and shows that the terminals are highly utilized compared to other European countries. This was stated by Dr. Peter Röttgen, managing director of DET, recently stated. The amount fed in includes around 18% of the annual consumption of all household and commercial customers in Germany or around 7% of the total consumption in previous years. These figures illustrate the central role of DET in providing Germany with security, especially in times of increasingly challenging global energy markets.

DET operates floating regasification terminals (FSRU) on behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi). They have become particularly important at the locations in Brunsbüttel, Stade and Wilhelmshaven, as they partially close the gap caused by the failure of Russian gas deliveries. Small reserve capacities are still offered, but there is currently no demand for them. In this tense situation, the LNG terminals play a vital role in ensuring the energy supply in Germany and Europe.

New LNG terminal strengthens supply

Another important project is the third floating import terminal for liquefied natural gas (LNG), which has now been put into operation in Wilhelmshaven. The successful operation was launched on May 26th and welcomed by Dr. Peter Röttgen and Katherina Reiche, the Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy. The planning and construction period of just two and a half years is remarkably short, especially compared to similar large-scale projects, which usually take longer. Partners in the project include ENGIE Deutschland and Tree Energy Solutions B.V. (TES).

The new terminal is 1.5 kilometers from the mainland and uses modern systems for laying data, electricity and natural gas lines. The FSRU Excelsior is also testing an ultrasound process that is intended to prevent fouling in the seawater pipes. In the coming year 2025, the Excelsior will feed up to 1.9 billion cubic meters of natural gas into the German gas network - this corresponds to the annual consumption of around 1.5 million four-person households. Later, the feed-in capacity is expected to increase to up to 4.6 billion cubic meters per year, which can cover the heating needs of up to 3.7 million households.

An important energy source

In the current energy situation, natural gas is an indispensable energy source for heat and electricity generation, and it will continue to play a central role in the future until it is completely replaced by renewable energies and hydrogen. A look at the distribution shows that natural gas covered almost 24% of total energy consumption in Germany in 2022. Industry was the most important buyer with 37.35%, followed by private households with 31%.

It is also important that around 95% of the natural gas requirements in Germany are imported, as only 5% of primary energy consumption comes from domestic production. In recent years, the supply landscape has changed significantly due to geopolitical developments. The main suppliers such as Norway are increasingly taking on the role that previously belonged to Russia. Overall, the natural gas supply situation remains stable, even if it remains tense.

Overall, the cooperation between DET and the project partners is proving to be a golden opportunity to strengthen Germany's energy supply security. It will be exciting to see how the situation will develop in the coming years. NWZonline reports that the new developments and projects in this sector are of great importance and the challenges that lie ahead must be actively addressed.

For further information on the background and the current legal situation, please visit the website Federal Ministry of Economics which provides detailed insights into the energy industry and supply strategies. Also delivers ENGIE Germany Information on the latest technical developments in the LNG sector.