Liquefied natural gas expansion plans in Germany: The risk of gas lock-in under energy transitions. (June 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Brauers, Hanna; Braunger, Isabell; Jewell, Jessica
• Is Part Of: Energy research & social science. Volume 76(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-06
• Subjects: Natural gas -- Lock-in -- Germany -- Energy transitions -- Co-evolution -- Meta-theoretical framework; Power resources -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; Energy consumption -- Social aspects -- Periodicals; 333.7905
• DOI: 10.1016/j.erss.2021.102059
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2214-6296

Abstract

Highlights: Growing tension exists between natural gas use and climate protection goals. Natural gas receives state support, leading to lock-in influencing energy transitions. Actors' agency mediates between realms, while also being constrained by them. International diplomacy and energy security concerns strengthen gas regime. Natural gas regime in Germany remains unchallenged by opposition or competition. Abstract: The German energy transition has been hailed as a role model for climate action. However, plans for the construction of three large-scale Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminals are receiving strong state support. This is inconsistent with Germany's climate targets, which require a reduction rather than expansion of natural gas consumption. In our paper, we aim to unpack the connection between the risk of natural gas lock-in and the energy transition. We analyse the co-evolution of the techno-economic, socio-technical and political realms of the German natural gas sector and influence of actors within that process. We use a combination of energy system and interview data, and introduce a new approach to triangulate material and actor analysis. We show that four natural gas lock-in mechanisms cause the support for LNG in Germany: (A) the geopolitical influence from the United States, combined with (B) security of supply concerns due to the planned coal and nuclear phase-out, (C) pressure from a wide variety of state and private sector actors, and (D) sunk investments in existing gas infrastructure. Two additional mechanisms supporting the strong position of natural gas are (E) the strength of the emerging synthetic gas niche, and (F) weak opposition against LNG and natural gas. We highlight the severely overlooked lock-in potential and related emissions, which could complicate and decelerate energy transitions as more countries reach a more advanced phase of the energy transition.