• Final binding agreements for LNG imports via the planned LNG terminal should be completed in 2020

To develop green hydrogen possibilities via the planned LNG terminal in Brunsbüttel: RWE and German LNG Terminal, the joint venture developing Germany’s first LNG terminal, have agreed to jointly explore the opportunities of this climate friendly fuel.  Both companies have therefore signed an agreement, manifested in form of a Memorandum of Understanding, to promote the use of hydrogen produced from renewable sources. In September 2018, both companies had already signed a long-term agreement for a considerable part of the planned terminal’s LNG import capacity.

Rolf Brouwer, Managing Director of German LNG Terminal GmbH, emphasizes: “RWE’s interest in jointly exploring the import of hydrogen in Brunsbüttel proves the strategic importance of the site and the project. Hydrogen produced from renewable energy sources is in line with Germany’s goal to become climate-neutral by 2050.”

Domestic production will not be able to meet the anticipated future demand, posing the need for import of the climate friendly fuel. LNG import terminals like Brunsbüttel can be combined with entry points for (liquid) hydrogen produced in other regions of the world where wind and solar energy are available at larger scale and lower cost than in Germany. Existing gas pipelines connected to the LNG terminal are perfectly fit to distribute hydrogen locally.

Javier Moret, Global Head of LNG at RWE Supply & Trading GmbH, explains: “We are advocates of LNG. It can provide Germany with clean and affordable energy today and at the same time contribute to reducing emissions in the maritime and road transport sector as an alternative fuel. At the same time we want to make sure we are prepared for the next technological advancement. In the future hydrogen will play a key role as a climate-neutral fuel in the energy mix. We are prepared for this next step with the new agreement. Therefore we are happy to support German LNG Terminals’s initiative in this field.”

Currently the parties are in the final phase of negotiating fully binding legal contracts for LNG imports. RWE and German LNG expect this process to be finalised by the end of 2020, putting German LNG in a position to reach a positive investment decision shortly thereafter.