Wilhelmshaven: Chlorine cleaning causes excitement in the Wadden Sea!

Wilhelmshaven: Chlorine cleaning causes excitement in the Wadden Sea!

The future of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals is being discussed again in Wilhelmshaven. The operator, Deutsche Energy Terminal (DET), is planning a fundamental change in how it cleans the pipes of its second terminal. Instead of the previous ultrasound technology, which proved to be ineffective and led to the terminal failing in autumn 2025, chlorine will now be used in combination with biocides. A corresponding application for approval for this new cleaning method has already been submitted. The first terminal is already operating using this method, which is fueling discussion about the environmental impact.

The switch to chlorine cleaning has been sharply criticized by environmentalists, especially NABU. They warn that the use of chlorine and biocides could endanger the delicate Wadden Sea ecosystem, which has UNESCO World Heritage status. NABU is therefore calling for the terminal to be shut down if the more environmentally friendly technology continues to fail and the environmental impact does not decrease. They point out that previous efforts to mechanically remove algae and mussel larvae using ultrasound technology have not had enough effect.

Race against time

The issue of the terminal failure meant that suppliers had to be turned away, which was not an easy situation for DET. However, in view of the critical situation, the operator emphasizes that all legally prescribed limit values ​​for water quality are being adhered to. Good to know, because the topic of environmental protection plays a central role in the current debate about the LNG infrastructure in Germany. However, given the increasing demand for LNG in the German energy mix, which now accounts for around 25% of primary energy consumption, a balance must be found between security of supply and environmental protection.

The LNG terminals in Germany, including in Wilhelmshaven, have become more important since the introduction of the LNG Acceleration Act in May 2022. In order to diversify the gas supply, the construction of additional terminals is being promoted. Germany plans to have five LNG terminals in operation by the end of 2024 to meet increasing demand for natural gas.

The global perspective

There are currently 54 LNG terminals in operation worldwide, and Europe is particularly active in this area. Of the global LNG supply centers, larger terminals are known in countries such as Qatar and the USA. Interestingly, the U.S. has transitioned from a natural gas importer to a preeminent exporter. For Germany, this means that an effective and environmentally friendly infrastructure is crucial in order to play in this international league.

So the challenges DET faces are not just local, but part of a larger whole. It remains to be seen what the upcoming decisions on cleaning methods will be and what long-term effects they will have on the environment and energy supply in Lower Saxony. The ball is now in the court of those responsible – there is a lot to regulate from both an economic and environmental perspective.

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