German State Approves Gas Drilling Project in North Sea

The German state has granted approval for a gas drilling project in the North Sea. The project, led by Dutch firm ONE-Dyas, has been granted an 18-year permit for the extraction of 4.5-13 billion cubic meters of gas at depths of 1.5-3.5 km.

However, the project still requires approval from the German-Dutch agreement and the Federal Network Agency. The decision has faced protests from environmental groups, such as Fridays for Future and Environmental Action Germany, who have raised concerns about the impact on the climate and the Wadden Sea.

While domestic gas is seen as less harmful than imports, the project conflicts with Germany's low-carbon goals. The drilling is expected to begin later this year and will involve the installation of a gas platform and the laying of a new gas pipeline and power cable.

The project's impact on the Wadden Sea and the need for a legal agreement with the Netherlands are still to be resolved.