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Energy Activists take climate action against TotalEnergies’ LNG floating terminal entering Le Havre harbour
Protest against TotalEnergies‘ LNG Terminal
Greenpeace France activists recently staged a protest against the arrival of TotalEnergies‘ Liquid Natural Gas (LNG) floating terminal, known as the FSRU Cape Ann, in Le Havre, France. The 280-meter long terminal was slated to begin operations on September 15, with the aim of ensuring France’s energy security in the aftermath of the war caused by the Russian invasion of Ukraine, as claimed by the French government.
Hélène Bourges, an oil, transport, and ocean campaigner at Greenpeace France, criticized the development, referring to it as a prime example of the “shock doctrine.” She argued that gas operators changed their messaging and lobbying strategy from “energy transition” to “energy security,” taking advantage of the energy supply concerns triggered by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Bourges believes this shift was a ploy to scare governments into investing in and expanding fossil gas imports and infrastructure unnecessarily.
According to Greenpeace, the only beneficiaries of the LNG terminal in Le Havre are TotalEnergies, the operator of the floating terminal, and its shareholders, who prioritize their private interests and gains over climate action and public health. The French government’s complicit support in granting an unprecedented legal preferential regime to set up this operation has raised further concerns.
Environmental Impact of the LNG Terminal
During the protest, Greenpeace activists painted the message “Gas Kills” on the hull of the Cape Ann, while others carrying banners in canoes and kayaks accused TotalEnergies and French President Emmanuel Macron of promoting shale gas. Greenpeace France’s investigative reports suggest that a significant portion of the gas intended for this terminal comes from US shale gas, contradicting France’s own policy of banning fracking due to its harmful climate impact and detrimental health effects on local populations.
President Macron had previously pledged to make France the first major nation to abandon fossil fuels. However, the LNG terminal in Le Havre is expected to increase imports of liquefied natural gas and inadvertently fuel the production of shale gas in the United States, raising questions about the terminal’s usefulness for France’s energy sovereignty and that of its European neighbors.
Additionally, an investigation by Disclose and Greenpeace France has cast doubt on the necessity of this LNG terminal for ensuring energy security, even in the event of a cold winter. The French Ministry of Energy Transition’s claims regarding the terminal’s importance have been called into question. This investigation also sheds light on the influence of the gas lobby in Europe, highlighting how energy infrastructure decisions are heavily influenced by operators who are driven by their own financial interests.
Call for Urgent Climate Action
The installation of the new LNG terminal in Le Havre contradicts the urgent need to transition away from fossil fuels, especially considering that additional fossil fuel infrastructure projects are currently being studied. The recent surge in extreme weather events worldwide serves as a reminder of the necessity to swiftly reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and invest heavily in energy efficiency, consumption reduction, and renewable energy development.
Greenpeace France’s protests align with global efforts to end the era of fossil fuels. As activists around the world gear up for the Global End Fossil Fuel Mobilisations, they are calling on leaders to take decisive action and commit to transitioning to sustainable energy sources.
In conclusion, the protest against TotalEnergies‘ LNG floating terminal in Le Havre highlights the challenges faced in reconciling energy security and environmental concerns. The activism underscores the need for policymakers to prioritize long-term sustainability and invest in renewable energy alternatives rather than expanding fossil fuel infrastructure. Failure to do so would undermine the progress made in combatting climate change and jeopardize the health and well-being of future generations.
<< photo by Beeing >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
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