How TotalEnergies’ LNG Terminal Puts French Consumers, U.S. Communities, and Climate Goals at Risk

Energy TotalEnergies LNG Terminal Threatens French Consumers, U.S. Communities, and Climate Goals

The Background

In a new report by Greenpeace France and investigative media outlet Disclose, it has been revealed that the installation of the Le Havre floating LNG terminal, supported by the French government and TotalEnergies, poses a threat to French consumers, U.S. communities, and climate goals. The report highlights how the measures taken to support the terminal contravene earlier climate and environmental commitments, and argues that the need for additional gas supply capacity and LNG imports from the U.S. to address a short-term energy crisis is unfounded.

Contradicting Energy Choices

Greenpeace argues that the planned LNG terminal in Le Havre exposes France’s inconsistent energy choices, made to follow the interests of the gas industry rather than climate science. France, which banned hydraulic fracturing on its own territory in 2011, is now encouraging shale gas production in the U.S. for import into Europe. Such a stance is seen as hypocritical, if not cynical, by Greenpeace, as it shows a disregard for the consequences of France’s energy policy on the climate and the public health of local communities residing near extraction sites.

Unnecessary Gas Imports

The investigation by Greenpeace France and Disclose reveals that France does not face any supply crisis that would justify the installation of a floating supply terminal in Le Havre. In 2022, France’s gas import capacity was already sufficient to address consumption needs, with French stocks securing sufficient cover for the winter of 2023-2024. The report also notes that France’s EU neighbors are facing an overdevelopment of gasification capacity and do not need the additional floating facility to receive additional LNG supply. Therefore, the argument put forward by the French government to justify the terminal’s installation does not hold up.

TotalEnergies‘ Benefits

The report highlights how TotalEnergies stands to benefit greatly from the Le Havre LNG terminal. The company plans to use 50% of the regasification capacity to import its own LNG from the U.S. and potentially even from Russia. This can be seen as a move to enrich major polluters at the expense of European customers and low-income communities in the southern U.S.

Concerns Over Lack of Assessment

Greenpeace raises concerns over the lack of environmental impact assessment and consultation with citizens for the floating terminal project. The French government has given TotalEnergies many advantages in this deal, including the exemption from presenting an Environmental Impact Assessment. Furthermore, the “study of risks and dangers” document related to the project has not been made public, raising further concerns about transparency.

Future Plans for Expansion

The research conducted by Greenpeace France and Disclose reveals that GRTGaz, the French gas transmission system operator, is already considering options to extend operations beyond the initial five years of the Le Havre floating terminal. The company’s 10-year plan includes the development of additional LNG terminals and FSRUs to complement the Le Havre FSRU. This raises questions about the long-term sustainability and necessity of the Le Havre terminal.

The Editorial

The revelation that the installation of the Le Havre floating LNG terminal poses a threat to French consumers, U.S. communities, and climate goals raises serious concerns about the energy choices being made by governments and corporations. It is clear that the rationale for the terminal’s installation, namely the need for additional gas supply capacity and importation to address a short-term energy crisis, is unfounded. France already has sufficient gas import capacity to meet its consumption needs, and its EU neighbors are also facing an overdevelopment of gasification capacity.

The support for the terminal by the French government and TotalEnergies reflects a prioritization of the interests of the gas industry over climate science and environmental commitments. This contradiction in energy choices is not only hypocritical but also undermines efforts to address climate change and protect public health. It is essential that governments and corporations align their actions with the urgent need to transition towards clean and sustainable energy sources.

The lack of environmental impact assessment and consultation with citizens for the Le Havre terminal project is deeply concerning. Transparency and accountability are crucial in decision-making processes that have significant environmental and social implications. The exemption given to TotalEnergies from presenting an Environmental Impact Assessment and the lack of public access to the “study of risks and dangers” document raise questions about the integrity of the decision-making process.

The future plans for expansion beyond the initial five years of the Le Havre terminal further suggest a lack of long-term planning and consideration of alternative, sustainable energy sources. It is important that governments and corporations invest in renewable energy infrastructure and prioritize the development of clean and sustainable alternatives to gas.

The Advice

In light of the revelations about the Le Havre floating LNG terminal, it is crucial that concerned citizens and organizations hold the French government and TotalEnergies to account. The demand for clear and publicly available data to support the installation of the terminal must be met. If the government cannot demonstrate that the terminal is genuinely the best option available, then the directive relating to its commissioning and continued operation should be cancelled.

Furthermore, Greenpeace’s recommendations at the national, European, and international levels should be taken into consideration. It is important for governments to prioritize the development of renewable energy sources and to phase out dependence on fossil fuels. This shift will not only contribute to achieving climate goals but also promote energy justice and protect the health and well-being of communities.

Ultimately, the installation of the Le Havre floating LNG terminal serves as a reminder of the need for a more sustainable and responsible approach to energy production and consumption. As climate change continues to pose significant challenges, it is imperative that governments and corporations prioritize the long-term interests of the planet and its inhabitants over short-term economic gains.

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