German court reviews safety risks of Rügen LNG terminal

The German Federal Administrative Court (Bundesverwaltungsgericht) in Leipzig is reviewing a legal challenge regarding the safety of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal located in Mukran on the island of Rügen. The municipality of Binz, which is within sight of the facility, has filed a lawsuit against the terminal's approval, citing insufficient security measures.

The legal dispute focuses on potential risks including drone attacks and cyberattacks on IT systems. Legal representatives for Binz argue that the current safety assessments are inadequate, noting that while the considered danger radius is only 850 meters, an explosion could impact areas several kilometers away, extending well into the municipality.

The terminal was part of a federal initiative to increase energy independence from Russian gas following the invasion of Ukraine. While the facility is already in regular operation and connected to the mainland via a subsea pipeline, local officials, including Binz Mayor Mario Kurowski, have expressed concerns regarding the long-term impact on the community and the clarity of the legal framework surrounding the site's security.