Energy

Wilhelmshaven Green Energy Hub receives exemption from regulation

Written by Abby Davey

The German network regulator BNetzA has exempted the (e)LNG terminal within the Green Energy Hub Wilhelmshaven from tariff and third-party access regulation for a period of 20 years from the start of operations. The total capacity of the zero-emission terminal is equivalent to 15 billion cubic metres (BCM) per year. In its decision, BNetzA has confirmed the terminal’s contribution to the security of supply in
Germany and Europe.

Raf Vermeyen, CEO of Deutsche Grüngas- und Energieversorgung GmbH (DGGEV), comments: “We welcome the decision of BNetzA as an important step towards signing contracts with terminal users and taking the final investment decision (FID) later this year.”

BNetzA had already completed a consultation with EU member states, the European Commission and the national competition regulator BKartA earlier this year. The exemption decision is now awaiting review and approval by the European Commission.

With its location in Wilhelmshaven, DGGEV’s terminal benefits from the best marine and market access in Germany. To this end, DGGEV is cooperating closely amongst others with Niedersachsen state-owned port developer NPorts and the gas transmission system operator OGE.

The Wilhelmshaven Green Energy Hub is a pivotal element in TES‘s commitment to decarbonize Germany and neighbouring markets by facilitating the import of both conventional liquefied natural gas (LNG) and green hydrogen based electric natural gas (e-NG). In compliance with the German LNG acceleration act (LNGG), the terminal will have fully transitioned to the import of electric natural gas (e-NG) latest in 2044.