Home / Business and Economy / Germany Ramps Up LNG Terminals for Energy Independence
Germany Ramps Up LNG Terminals for Energy Independence
18 Nov
Summary
- Germany is expanding its LNG terminal capacity to reduce reliance on Russian gas.
- New terminals are set to become operational, with some by 2026 and 2027.
- LNG imports are increasingly contributing to Germany's overall gas supply.
Germany is actively enhancing its energy security by bringing new natural gas import terminals online. This strategic move is designed to diminish the nation's reliance on piped Russian gas, a significant shift initiated in 2022. The Elbe River terminal at Stade is projected to begin operations in the second quarter of 2026 at the earliest, marking a key milestone in this expansion.
These new facilities, including floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs), are increasingly vital for Germany's energy mix. Official data indicates that LNG imports constituted 11% of all German gas imports during the first three quarters of 2025. Developments include the Ruegen island terminal expanding its capacity and plans for a second FSRU, alongside Uniper's operational Wilhelmshaven 1 and 2 terminals.
Further expansion is planned, with some terminals looking to increase capacity for LNG, bio-LNG, and synthetic natural gas by 2027. There are also forward-thinking initiatives to transform existing sites into hubs for green ammonia and hydrogen production, further diversifying Germany's energy sources and infrastructure.
