The German Green Party has introduced a motion in the Bundestag aiming to halt planned natural gas exploration near Borkum and ultimately prohibit all future oil and gas drilling activities within Germany. The proposal, reported by “Der Spiegel”, urges the federal government to draft amendments to the Federal Mining Law.
The proposed legal changes would immediately prevent the issuance of new permits for gas and oil exploration. Existing permits would be time-limited, expiring in 2030. Furthermore, the motion calls for the cancellation of negotiations regarding a gas supply agreement with the Netherlands and the abandonment of plans for drilling near Borkum.
The German cabinet recently approved a gas supply agreement with the Netherlands, paving the way for exploration in the North Sea region. Minister for Economic Affairs, Katherina Reiche (CDU), stated the agreement would bolster energy security for neighboring countries and strengthen the European gas market.
Green Party representatives have strongly criticized the project, with Julia Verlinden, Vice Chair of the Green Party’s parliamentary group, describing such drilling operations as “outdated”. She asserted that opposing gas exploration represents a commitment to protecting the environment, the climate and the foundation for future life.
The success of the Green Party’s motion in the Bundestag appears unlikely. Passage would require a majority vote, a feat improbable without significant dissent within the coalition government formed by the CDU, CSU and SPD.
The Green Party views the gas project as further evidence of a regressive energy policy being pursued by Minister Reiche. Concerns have also been raised regarding the minister’s proposals to align the expansion of solar and wind energy with the capacity of existing power grids, rather than the reverse. Green Party politician Andreas Audretsch characterized this approach as “absurd” suggesting that Minister Reiche has not fully grasped the importance of technological leadership in the 21st century, particularly in comparison to the actions of nations like China. Audretsch warned that a renewed focus on natural gas risks transforming Germany into an “industrial museum”.