ACCEPTING COMPROMISES. TO SAVE THE CLIMATE.

LNG stands for liquefied natural gas and is extracted from underground deposits; this fossil fuel is then liquefied in a cooling process. This liquefaction allows natural gas to be transported in special containers by rail, road or sea. In the foreseeable future, hydrogen is expected to replace fossil energy carriers completely.

Even though LNG is a fossil energy carrier, its CO₂ balance is still quite reasonable in comparison.

• LNG is largely made of methane
• It is used to generate electricity and heat and to produce fuel
• Currently, the USA, Canada, Qatar, Australia and Russia export the largest quantities of LNG
• The energy carrier arrives in Wilhelmshaven, where it is re-gasified for further transportation via pipeline

However, LNG has its limits when it comes to increasing independence from necessary energy imports.

Even though LNG supplies energy as a stable and profitable (interim) solution, it is one that will only bridge a gap in the long-term with a view to a climate-neutral energy supply. That’s why the LNG infrastructure in Wilhelmshaven will be designed so that it can be used for green hydrogen and other climate-neutral molecules as well.

Wilhelmshaven made history! And celebrated the launch of the first LNG terminal in Germany. The terminal was built in a record 194 days – proof of what this region can achieve: an efficient solution to bridge the gap and reduce our energy dependency. And a milestone for the infrastructure. Ensuring projects in the field of climate-neutral fuels, such as green hydrogen, can be launched by the Jade without great obstacles, today and in the future.

With three thousand trillion kilowatt hours, the German industry consumes tremendous quantities of energy. But if we want to provide an entire country, including each and every household, with a reliable energy supply, we need an available, emission-free energy source: green hydrogen. Energy that has been generated sustainably is stored in green molecules and then reused. For Germany’s energy supply to become carbon-neutral as soon as possible, we need to import 80 percent of energy demands, which requires strategies for import, interim storage and transportation. Wilhelmshaven has an infrastructure for fossil energy carriers – which we are currently building on, and are ready to manifest our role as the energy hub for Germany.

‘Solar power. Wind power. Green molecules. These are the three key factors for a climate-friendly energy transition.’

German Energy Agency (dena)

Wilhelmshaven has ideal conditions to provide Germany with a reliable green hydrogen supply in the long run: our city is home to the country’s only deep water port with corresponding capacities. And over time, the city has developed an infrastructure for fossil fuels, which can be converted to hydrogen quickly and easily – as we have already proved with the LNG terminal. And the largest cavern storage facilities in the entire north-west of Europe are located in the immediate vicinity: 75 caverns that can store more than 4 billion cubic metres of natural gas. Wilhelmshaven’s surface area is as big as that of Paris – we have lots of space. And innumerable vacant commercial and development areas that offer companies and institutes the space and room to find the answers our world needs. So what about the surrounding regions and municipalities? With their administrations, commercial enterprises and research facilities? They are all on board. Wilhelmshaven is ready. And well aware of our responsibility as a location with this kind of potential.

‘In comparison, the Wilhelmshaven location has one tremendous advantage: the combination of deep water port and salt caverns is unique in Europe.’

Carsten Feist
Lord Mayor of the City of Wilhelmshaven

We are convinced that hydrogen promises the greatest benefits for everyone at this moment: but as a location that looks ahead, we are also anticipating smart city solutions as well as innovative logistics and mobility concepts. We are embarking on a journey – towards the future, towards change, towards an increase in quality of life. This means that the step towards hydrogen will not just initiate a tangible change for Germany, but for Wilhelmshaven as well. The hydrogen economy and other new energy carriers will give rise to new opportunities for the scientific community, culture and tourism. In addition, our residents will benefit from a reliable energy supply and the recycling economy that goes with it. On the whole, we expect companies to relocate here, drawing skilled labour and know-how into the city and the region. A gain for the economy here and in the greater area. But above all for the climate – here in Wilhelmshaven, in Germany, Europe and the world.

‘When it comes to further relocations and a climate-neutral economy, I don’t just see great opportunities for Wilhelmshaven but for our entire region as well.’

Sven Ambrosy, Administrative Head of Frisia County