"Activists at Ammersee express fury over proposed natural gas projects"
In the picturesque Upper Bavarian municipality of Reichling, near the Ammersee, a new chapter has unfolded as Energieprojekt Lech Kinsau 1 GmbH commences test drilling for a suspected gas storage site. This development, supported by Bavaria's Minister of Economics, Hubert Aiwanger, and the Bavarian state government, has sparked widespread protests among local residents, environmental activists, and climate campaigners.
At the helm of Energieprojekt Lech Kinsau 1 GmbH is Christoph Heubeck, the managing director responsible for the gas exploration works in Reichling. The company plans for the test drilling to last four weeks, followed by the dismantling of the drilling equipment.
The test drilling has raised concerns among the local community, particularly regarding the potential threats to the drinking water supply. Given the proximity of the local source, the residents fear for their water security. Furthermore, the activists express worries about negative impacts on real estate prices and the economic factor of tourism due to gas drilling.
These concerns are not new to Reichling, as gas was previously sought in the 1980s but was abandoned due to lack of profitability. However, with the rising energy prices since the Ukraine war, the test drilling is now a reassessment of the site's potential.
The protests against the new gas extractions have been vocal and persistent. Around 300 people attended a rally with climate activist Luisa Neubauer at the drilling site in Reichling at the end of August. More recently, activists from the group "End Gelände" climbed onto a gas drilling tower in the town, hanging banners with messages against gas extraction and Bavaria's Minister of Economics, Hubert Aiwanger.
The test drilling is criticised for fueling the climate catastrophe and ignoring local people's concerns. The activists have been protesting against the new gas extractions supported by Aiwanger and the Bavarian state government, arguing that these developments disregard the urgent need for a transition towards renewable energy sources.
As the test drilling continues, the community in Reichling and its supporters remain vigilant, voicing their concerns and advocating for a sustainable future. The outcome of the test drilling will likely shape the course of energy production in the region for years to come.
