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Cabinet decision: Gas production off Borkum – environmental battle breaks out!
The federal cabinet approved the gas production agreement before Borkum, despite environmental concerns and legal hurdles.
Cabinet decision: Gas production off Borkum – environmental battle breaks out!
Plans for gas production off the North Sea island of Borkum have overcome a crucial hurdle. The federal cabinet in Berlin has approved a gas production agreement with the Netherlands that will enable the Dutch energy company One-Dyas to develop cross-border gas fields. This is seen as a step towards strengthening long-term security of supply in Europe. However, this cabinet decision is not yet final, as a contract law must be approved by the Bundestag and Bundesrat and several court decisions are pending.
The decision represents a turnaround from the previous stance of the traffic light coalition, as Robert Habeck (Greens) had previously emphasized that he wanted to wait for court rulings first. An alliance of environmental organizations has already filed a lawsuit against gas production because of fears that it could cause environmental damage in the Wadden Sea. In this context, Christian Meyer (Greens) expresses sharp criticism by emphasizing that gas production clearly contradicts the claim to climate protection.
Political support and concerns
Support for gas production is particularly highlighted by Federal Economics Minister Katherina Reiche (CDU), who argues that cooperation with the Netherlands strengthens both European and national security of supply. The current coalition of CDU, CSU and SPD aims to use conventional gas production domestically. Reiche emphasizes the need to create a legal framework for cooperation, which also corresponds to the requirements of the coalition agreement.
However, critics, including German Environmental Aid and the umbrella organization German Nature Conservation Ring, view the approval with skepticism. They raise concerns about environmental impact and the lack of public participation. The Lower Saxony State Office for Mining, Energy and Geology had examined the environmental impact of the project and raised no objections, but given the concerns of environmentalists, the discussion remains intense.
Gas production details
One-Dyas plans to produce gas from a deposit 20 kilometers off the coast of Borkum. Approval for this was granted for 2024 for 18 years. In addition, One-Dyas has already started a 90-day test phase in March 2025 on a platform near Dutch territory. The project also includes the construction of a power cable to the Riffgat wind farm to ensure the energy supply to the drilling platform.
In this context, Environment Minister Carsten Schneider emphasizes the importance of marine protection and makes it clear that there should be no gas production in marine protected areas. Nevertheless, it remains to be seen how the political and legal framework will be shaped and what effects the planned gas production will have on the environment. Pressure from environmentalists and ongoing legal proceedings could have a significant impact on the project's progress.
The cabinet decision is viewed critically from various sides, while politicians are trying to find a balance between energy transition and security of supply. It remains to be seen to what extent the measures can actually be implemented and whether the critics' concerns will be taken seriously. Further developments can be expected in the coming weeks and months.