Partners in the Stade–Hanseatic Energy Hub GmbH have agreed to construct the terminal after successfully concluding the permit and commercial phase in late 2023
Shareholder Partners Group, on behalf of its clients Enagás, Dow and the Buss Group, has secured financing for the large-scale infrastructure project, also known as the Hanseatic Energy Hub (HEH).
EPC specialist Técnicas Reunidas and its partners FCC and Enka have been awarded the contract to build the future-flexible energy hub at the Stade Industrial Park. About €1.0Bn (US$1.1Bn) will be invested in constructing the terminal.
Hanseatic Energy Hub will help secure Germany’s future energy supplies following its planned commissioning in 2027. Two years ago, Germany’s regulatory office for gas markets granted the facility an exemption from tariff and network access regulations for 25 years.
Initially, the HEH will serve as an import terminal for LNG, synthetic natural gas and liquefied biomethane and, subsequently, for ammonia, as a carbon-neutral, hydrogen-based energy carrier. Once the HEH enters into service, the FSRU Energos Force, chartered by Germany’s federal government, will set sail from Stade. The floating LNG terminal, which has been on site since March 2024, will continue to secure the gas supply in the short term until the more efficient land-based terminal is completed.
The Hanseatic Energy Hub will have a capacity of 13.3Bn m3 of natural gas per year. 90% of this volume has been booked long term by three European energy majors EnBW, SEFE and ČEZ, and the remaining capacity is reserved for short-term bookings. Long-term contracts include the option to switch to hydrogen-based energy carriers at a later stage. The terminal has been certified by permitting bodies as being ammonia-ready.
Following a development phase that lasted more than six years, the Hanseatic Energy Hub project is finally entering its next phase. Spanish firm Enagás has upped its stake in the Hanseatic Energy Hub from 10% to 15% and is providing technical direction for the construction of the Stade terminal, which it will eventually operate.
Buss Group owner Johann Killinger said, “We have surmounted all the hurdles and will now be getting to work on making Germany’s first land-based terminal a reality.”
“For me, as a co-initiator and driver, it is particularly gratifying to make an important contribution to Germany’s energy security with this project. On top of that, I’m thrilled to be able to give a strong boost to the economic development of Lower Saxony.”
Mr Killinger is stepping down from the management team following the investment decision. He will now focus on his role as a shareholder, handing over to Jan Themlitz the chief executive responsibilities for constructing and commissioning the terminal. Mr Themlitz has a long track record of developing energy-related projects and extensive LNG experience from having worked with gas majors and power generators for 30 years.
Commenting on the next phase of the Hanseatic Energy Hub, Partners Group managing director infrastructure, Carsten Koenig commented, “We are pleased to reach this important milestone for HEH, after several years of thorough planning and development. As an LNG terminal in a strategic location, HEH will play a significant role in securing the energy supply and supporting the energy transition in both Germany and wider Europe in the future.”
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