Deutsche Energy Terminal GmbH (DET) is a key player in Germany’s energy infrastructure. As a federally owned company, it operates LNG terminals and thereby makes a significant contribution to the security of energy supply in Germany and Europe. Whereas gas was previously delivered to Germany almost exclusively via pipelines, DET now enables the import of energy in the form of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from a wide range of regions through the reliable operation of its currently three Floating Storage and Regasification Units (FSRUs). In doing so, DET contributes to price stability and supports a competitive economic location during the transition to a climate-neutral energy supply. At the same time, it provides a stable foundation for the transformation towards the import of renewable gases as well as the export and storage of CO₂.
Germany is pursuing the goal of climate neutrality by 2045. The phase-out of nuclear energy has been completed, the exit from coal-fired power generation has been decided and is being implemented, and the expansion of renewable energies is being consistently advanced. Natural gas plays an important role in this transition, serving as a reliable partner until a fully renewable energy supply is achieved.
Since Germany imports more than 95 percent of its natural gas while simultaneously serving a central role in supplying neighboring European countries, a secure import infrastructure is of strategic importance. DET’s LNG terminals make a decisive contribution in this regard.
Robust Infrastructure in Germany
A key lesson from recent years is the critical importance of sufficient and resilient infrastructure. The LNG terminals initiated by the German Federal Government are operated responsibly by DET in collaboration with qualified partners and made available to the market on a non-discriminatory basis. In doing so, DET combines governmental responsibility with professional infrastructure and asset management.
LNG Imports Stabilize the Gas Market
Two terminals in Wilhelmshaven and one additional facility in Brunsbüttel are in regular operation. A fourth terminal in Stade is currently under construction. In addition to construction and operational management, marketing of regasification capacity is one of DET’s core responsibilities.
In 2025, DET’s terminals fed approximately 79 TWh of energy into the German gas network. This corresponded to roughly 22 percent of household and commercial gas consumption and approximately 9.1 percent of Germany’s total gas consumption. The increased availability of natural gas through LNG imports not only enhances energy security but also contributes noticeably to stabilizing gas prices.
Responsibility as a European Transit Country
Germany has traditionally been a major transit country for gas flows in Europe and, as such, assumes responsibility for the supply of its neighbors. DET contributes through its infrastructure to reliably fulfilling this role in the future, making Europe more resilient to potential supply disruptions.
Deutsche Energy Terminal GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of the federal government. After deduction of operating costs, DET’s revenues are returned to the federal budget. The company began operations on 15 January 2023. Its core tasks are terminal operation and international marketing of regasification capacities.
Three objectives are in the foreground:
The following graphic presents the most important market players around DET.
