This final investment decision allows the Hanseatic Energy Hub to make an important contribution to securing Europe’s energy supplies following its planned commissioning in 2027. Initially the HEH will serve as an import terminal for LNG, SNG (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 total capacity of 13.3 billion cubic metres of natural gas per year. Ninety per cent of this volume has been booked long-term by three European energy majors EnBW, SEFE and ČEZ. 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 of more than six years, the Hanseatic Energy Hub project is entering its next phase. Enagás is providing the technical direction of the construction and will also be terminal operator. The Spanish energy company is increasing its share from 10 to 15 per cent.

Johann Killinger, one of the entrepreneurs driving the project up to this point, 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 CEO responsibilities for constructing and commissioning the terminal. Jan Themlitz has a long track record of developing energy-related projects as well as extensive LNG experience from having worked with gas majors and power generators for 30 years.

The shareholders of the Hanseatic Energy Hub on this important milestone:

Carsten Koenig, Managing Director Infrastructure, Partners Group:
“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. Partners Group has a strong thematic focus on the energy transition sector, where we have made a number of investments over the last year alone.”

Johann Killinger, Owner of the Buss Group:
“Stade it is! Especially in the last two years, 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. This success has only been possible thanks to the unwavering support of our customers, from politicians and administrators in Hanover and Berlin, and – very crucially – from the region.”

Arturo Gonzalo, CEO of Enagás:
Enagás has strengthened its entry into Germany by increasing its stake in the Hanseatic Energy Hub, up to 15 per cent, which is fully aligned with the company’s strategy to contribute to the security of energy supply and to drive the process of decarbonisation in Europe. Enagás will operate the Stade LNG terminal allowing us to support this strategic project with all our broad expertise.”

Julia S. Schlenz, Chairwoman of the Executive Board and President Dow Germany:
“The land-based LNG terminal will be a crucial building block in the transition to a net-zero future in Germany and Europe. Thanks to the good local framework conditions and decisive political action, the zero-emission terminal will diversify the energy supply and help secure it in the long term. It offers unique synergy effects between the chemical, logistics and energy industries and acts as an efficient industrial and energy hub around the Stade Industrial Park. It is these bridging technologies that we as an industry in Germany need in order to help shape the transformation in the long term.”