Local politicians in northeast Germany were armed on Tuesday after reports of major oil and gas deposits found in neighboring Poland, and some experts also warned of extraction.
The discovery of the Polish Baltic coast of Canadian company Central European Petroleum (CEP) is known as Poland’s “breakthrough moment”, but officials at the German border were quick to point out that extraction of fossil fuels should not be prioritized during climate change.
“Our future is not in the oil of the Baltic Sea, but from the energy of sunshine, wind and biomass.”
He added: “In terms of climate policy, the project represents a backward industrial policy, which is contrary to the interests of the environment and tourism sector on the German side.”
A major breakthrough?
The Wolin East Offshore oil field, discovered by CEP, is said to be about 6 kilometers from the port city on the northwestern edge of Poland. Parts of the city are located on a second-hand island, which is divided between Germany and Poland.
Based on the results of the test drilling, the recoverable reserves of crude oil and natural gas are estimated to be 200 million barrels of oil equivalent.
The Wolin East site is estimated to represent the “largest conventional hydrocarbon field ever” found in Poland and also represents “one of the largest conventional oil discoveries in Europe in the past decade,” CEP said.
If the deposit is confirmed, it “could prove to be one of the breakthrough moments in Poland’s history of hydrocarbon exploration,” said Krzysztof Galos, the country’s chief national geologist.
“The future development of the site could help strengthen energy security in Poland and reduce its reliance on external hydrocarbon suppliers,” he told News Agency Pap.
According to Galos, mining could start within three to four years, and the sector is estimated to be able to cover 4 to 5% of Poland’s annual oil demand in a few years.
Since 2017, CEP has held an exploration license on the coast of West Poland.
Officials and experts send alarms
However, officials in the second-hand Mommy area of Germany are less delighted, but the mayor of Heringsdorf pointed out the area’s status as a nature reserve.
“We are a spa and resort. We do everything we can to keep the beaches, towns and oceans clean,” said Laura Isabelle Marisken. “Heavy industrial gas and oil extraction is right at our doorstep and it’s clear that this is a massive intrusion into our natural environment.”
The German Institute of Economics also advises against oil fields, which not only points out the huge negative impact on tourism, but also points out the risks of cross-border pollution caused by accidents.
“In addition, the promotion of fossil fuels hinder climate protection goals,” said Claudia Kemfert, head of the Institute’s Ministry of Energy, Transport and Environment. “Costs and Benefits [of the project] Therefore it is disproportionate. ”
