Belgium-based Tree Energy Solutions (TES), the developer of an LNG and hydrogen hub in Wilhelmshaven, said it has launched an open season to fast-track LNG imports into Germany, as the country looks to slash reliance on Russian gas supplies.
“Commencing on April 25th, 2022, the open season is accessible to all parties seeking to import LNG in the drive to reduce EU and Germany energy dependence on Russia,” TES said in a statement.
TES has invited interested firms to submit an expression of interest to reserve capacity and services for the import of LNG volumes.
The firm is planning for the initial capacity to import up to 16 to 20 billion cubic meters per year from 2025 onwards, according to the statement.
It aims to connect the planned hub through the new OGE pipeline with the European high-pressure gas grid.
In addition, TES may further expand the terminal and pipeline capacity through the integration of further LNG tanks and commissioning of a second export pipeline.
“The expansion’s timing and size will be determined by market demand for liquefied natural gas imports from 2025 onwards, as well as the planned transition to green and clean, hydrogen-based gas,” TES said.
Green hydrogen
TES, backed by investment firm AtlasInvest, recently said it aims to launch the Wilhelmshaven “green hub” in 2025 instead of 2027 as Germany looks to replace Russian natural gas supplies.
Also, it teamed up with energy firm E.ON to import green hydrogen into Germany.
From 2027/2028 onwards, the Wilhelmshaven regasification terminal would, as part of the energy hub, increasingly be reserved for imports of “fossil-free green gas”, TES said.
With a similar chemical composition as LNG, TES would use the new and existing gas infrastructure, without further investments, for imports of the “green gas”.
TES said the open season would cover three phases, including non-binding application expression of interest, binding application window and closing of binding window.
This would offer market participants an “important opportunity” to secure future capacity in the Wilhelmshaven hub.
The Wilhelmshaven terminal layout would ultimately include 6 ship berths, as well as 1,600,000 cubic meters of onshore storage capacity in 8 onsite tanks. Four of these tanks would be available during the initial stage.
Moreover, the terminal would offer direct access to an extensive gas pipeline network, including existing salt caverns at Etzel and proximity to the Groningen gas grid infrastructure.
TES plans to further build carbon export facilities as the hub would also connect to OGE’s CO2 transportation network.
The firm also produces green hydrogen at Wilhelmshaven. It aims to transport this fuel through connections with the H2Ercules project that develops Germany’s ‘hydrogen backbone’, it said.