PCK Refinery Seeks Alternatives as Russia Halts Oil Exports
The PCK refinery in Schwedt, a vital supplier of fuel to northeastern Europe and Berlin, faces changes due to Russia's halt in oil exports. The refinery, majority-owned by Rosneft subsidiaries now under trust administration, is seeking alternative oil sources and pipeline expansion. Meanwhile, Brandenburg's farmers worry about EU funding cuts.
The German federal government has taken control of the PCK refinery's oil pipeline to Rostock, aiming to boost capacity and diversify supply routes via Rostock and Danzig ports. This move follows the previous government's decision to halt Russian pipeline oil imports in early 2023.
The refinery, supplying large parts of northeastern Europe with gasoline, heating oil, and jet fuel, is now seeking alternative sources like Kazakhstan. The planned pipeline expansion, estimated at 400 million euros, is crucial for future supply security, independent of Russia. It still requires EU Commission approval, with Brandenburg pressing for swift action.
Brandenburg's farmers' president Henrik Wendorff expresses concern about potential disadvantages for eastern farmers due to planned reductions in EU funding per agricultural business. Around 717 million euros are available for Brandenburg and Berlin through the rural development fund ELER from 2023 to 2027. Wendorff fears a loss of area-wide agriculture and numerous jobs due to changes in EU agricultural policy and cohesion funding.
The PCK refinery's future depends on successful pipeline expansion and alternative oil sources. Brandenburg urges swift EU approval, while farmers worry about funding cuts. The federal government, state, PCK, district, and municipalities collaborate to maintain supply security and transition to climate-friendly technology.
Read also:
- EU's Role in Brazilian Rainforest Destruction
- India's Massive Dam Project in Arunachal Pradesh Sparks Local Concerns and China Tensions
- Connecticut and Rhode Island seek court order to reactivate Revolution Wind project
- Catastrophic blast at a US Steel facility in Pennsylvania causes 2 fatalities, inflicts injuries on 10 individuals
