Transmission system operators will in future be obliged to connect LNG facilities to their grids and operate the connecting pipeline. 90% of the costs are borne by the grid operators and the remainder by the subscriber. Unlike France, Germany lacks a liquefied gas port to date. Along with the decision, the Federal Council of Germany declared that natural gas plays a “central role” in Germany’s energy mix, and that commissioning LNG terminals should increase gas supply security. The Council also called on the German Federal Government to take measures to ensure adequate storage infrastructure.

The North German Broadcasting Corporation (NDR) reports that the government plans to provide funding for at least two import terminals in northern Germany. The town of Brunsbüttel in Schleswig-Holstein already has potential investors whom the ordinance is intended to accommodate. A decision on the investment by the private operators is to be taken in the fall of this year.