- Fridays for Future criticizes planned gas drilling in Borkum
Climate activist Luisa Neubauer of Fridays for Future warns against the planned gas extraction off the North Sea island of Borkum. If the German government and the Netherlands approve the project, Germany's credibility as a climate protection nation would be "completely undermined," she said before the Lower Saxony state parliament in Hannover. "We're talking about the start of a new era of fossil exploitation in Germany," said Neubauer, who called for an end to fossil fuel extraction in order to achieve a successful energy transition. Furthermore, the gas project off Borkum threatens the unique Wadden Sea nature reserve and UNESCO World Heritage site.
The company One-Dyas plans to start gas extraction off Borkum by the end of 2024. The project has been a contentious issue in Lower Saxony for years. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the state government reversed its stance on the issue. A decision on whether the project will be permitted is expected in the coming days. If approved, the German Environmental Aid will file a lawsuit. Additionally, an agreement between Germany and the Netherlands is required for the drilling.
From the perspective of the state government, the federal government has the final say. In the 2021 coalition agreement, the SPD, Greens, and FDP agreed not to issue any new permits for oil and gas drilling beyond the existing framework permits for the German North and Baltic Seas.
Fridays for Future plans a demonstration on Borkum this Saturday afternoon against the project. The protest has been registered with 50 participants. One-Dyas plans to build a production platform in Dutch territorial waters, approximately 23 kilometers northwest of Borkum. Gas will be extracted from both Dutch and German territorial waters, near the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park.
The federal government holds the final decision-making power regarding the gas extraction project off Borkum, as stated in the 2021 coalition agreement. If the federal government approves the project, it could significantly impact Germany's global reputation as a leader in climate protection, aligning with Luisa Neubauer's concerns.
