Germany's LNG import project plans (1)

(Reuters) - German plans for LNG terminals are picking up speed since Berlin declared them vital to its effort to diversify away from Russian energy.

The projects had long languished as piped supply was less expensive than LNG.

Germany has now leased four floating storage and regasification units (FSRUs) and chosen Wilhelmshaven as its first LNG handling hub, ahead of additional sites that will also be able to handle deliveries of low-carbon gases and clean hydrogen.

WILHELMSHAVEN

A first FSRU is expected to be ready late this year or early the next, followed soon by a second at Brunsbuettel.

The government has earmarked 2.94 billion euros ($3.07 billion) for the projects, set to be developed by utilities RWE and Uniper, respectively.

Uniper's plans for Wilhelmshaven include an import terminal for ammonia, an electrolysis plant to turn that into clean hydrogen, and a clean hydrogen storage unit at Krummhoern.

In a separate project, Tree Energy Solutions is talking to over 25 interested parties about plans for an LNG terminal to be called AvantHy at Wilhelmshaven in partnership with E.ON . It expects to complete the discussions in July.

It recently brought these plans forward to 2025, also with a view to handle zero-carbon gases, such as methane, from 2027.

BRUNSBUETTEL

Schleswig-Holstein's state government wants an FSRU quickly, as a forerunner of a fixed LNG facility with capacity of 8 billion cubic meters (bcm), expandable to 10 bcm.

The project could start in 2026 or earlier, developed by state bank KfW with a stake of 50%, while RWE will hold 10%, and Dutch operator Gasunie 40%.

Shell would book a large part of the LNG.

STADE

Project company Hanseatic Energy Hub (HEH) is inviting market players to book 12 billion cubic metres (bcm), or 90% of the regasification capacity of a planned hub that could materialise in 2026.

It is backed by Belgian gas transport networks group Fluxys , Swiss investment company Partners Group, German logistics group Buss and chemicals company Dow.

A final investment decision is expected next year.

Utility EnBW has committed itself as a buyer.

HAMBURG, ROSTOCK

Port city Hamburg, as well as Rostock on the Baltic Sea, have also been suggested as possible locations for an FSRU. ($1=0.9591 euros)

(Reporting by Vera Eckert; Editing by Marguerita Choy and Clarence Fernandez)

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