Protests led by Greenpeace at a gas extraction drilling location - Protesters from Greenpeace voicing opposition to gas production at Bohrplatz site
Controversial Gas Extraction Project in Reichling Sparks Protests and Concerns
A contentious gas extraction project in the small Bavarian town of Reichling, district of Landsberg am Lech, near Lake Ammer, has sparked protests and concerns over its potential impact on the environment and drinking water.
Last week, Greenpeace activists hoisted a banner demanding "No new gas!" on a 5-meter-high bamboo structure, with one member hanging from a rope at several meters' height during the protest. The activists are concerned about the project's conflict with environmental and climate goals, as well as its potential impact on drinking water.
The drilling in Reichling is planned by the company "Energieprojekt Lech Kinsau 1 GmbH" and is scheduled to start next week, according to the mayor of Reichling. The company aims to extract natural gas for ten to fifteen years, if the exploratory drilling is successful. It is estimated that a gas volume of 400 to 500 million cubic meters could be extracted during the extraction period, which could cover the domestic gas demand of 10,000 to 15,000 households.
However, critics argue that the project contradicts Germany’s goal to become climate-neutral by 2045. Greenpeace and other environmental groups view the project as perpetuating dependency on fossil fuels instead of accelerating renewable energy investments and energy efficiency. This approach is seen as inconsistent with both national and EU-level climate goals.
Regarding drinking water, the gas drilling in Reichling raises concerns over contamination risks. Gas extraction often involves potential hazards to groundwater quality through chemicals used in drilling and fracturing processes. Local citizens and environmental advocates fear these risks and emphasize that the region’s water supply should not be compromised for short-term fossil fuel gain.
Before drilling begins, the government of Upper Bavaria must receive current expert reports confirming the technical flawlessness of the facility. The construction of the drilling rig has been announced to the authorities for July 29, 2025, but the exact date for the start of drilling is still open.
Saskia Reinbeck, climate protection expert from Greenpeace Bavaria, has called on Bavarian Economics Minister Hubert Aiwanger to stop gas drillings in Bavaria. Greenpeace and other environmental associations have been protesting against the gas extraction in Reichling since the plans became known.
The debate highlights the conflict between local economic or energy security interests and overarching climate and environmental protections. If you need further details on specific legal frameworks or scientific impact assessments related to Reichling’s gas drilling, please let me know.
| Aspect | Details | |--------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Project Schedule | The drilling is expected to start next week, according to the mayor of Reichling[4]. | | Gas Volume Estimate | It is estimated that a gas volume of 400 to 500 million cubic meters could be extracted during the extraction period[5]. | | Criticisms | The project contradicts Germany’s 2045 climate neutrality target by extending fossil gas dependency[6]. | | Drinking Water Impact | Risks of groundwater contamination from gas drilling chemicals cause concern among locals and environmentalists[7]. | | Protests | Greenpeace and other environmental associations have been protesting against the gas extraction in Reichling since the plans became known[8]. |
This project exemplifies the ongoing tension between short-term energy policies addressing current supply concerns and long-term environmental sustainability commitments in Germany.
- The controversy surrounding the gas extraction project in Reichling, Bavaria, aligns with Greenpeace's employment policy, advocating for renewable energy investments and energy efficiency, rather than relying on fossil fuels.
- The proposed gas extraction project in Reichling conflicts with science and environmental-science due to the potential risks of groundwater contamination from chemicals used in drilling and fracturing processes.
- In light of the climate-change crisis, the gas extraction project in Reichling contradicts Germany's industry standards and financial policies aiming for climate-neutrality by 2045, as it perpetuates dependency on fossil fuels.
- As the community continues to voice concerns over the project's impact on the environment and drinking water, the science of environmental protection and climate goals are at the forefront of local discussions in Reichling.
