Gas drilling on the Ammersee: Contradiction between hope and citizens

Gas drilling on the Ammersee: Contradiction between hope and citizens

Ludenhausen, Deutschland - in Landsberg am Lech it is bubbling! The managing director of Genexco Gas, Eckhard Peter Oehms, has entered deep into the Bavarian village to present the company's controversial gas drilling plans. But the enthusiasm of those present, which every tenth residents represent, falls by the wayside! Oehms, who already has over 40 years of experience in the gas industry, tried to encourage the Ludenhausen community house, but the cold reception was unmistakable. "We are happy to be here," said Oehms - but the applause was missing, and the skepticism among the citizens only grew.

no joy for the citizens

The residents' reactions speak volumes: fear for their drinking water! People fear environmental damage from the upcoming holes; The place of drinking water in the place is in the immediate vicinity. Despite Oehm's efforts to dispel the fears, deep uncertainty remains in the air in the evening. "It is very unlikely that something will happen," he tries to convince, but the citizens are skeptical. The town hall director Johannes Hintersberger conveys the message of the unstoppable: "The hole is no longer stopped" - but he also does not find any hearing for his words.

The uncertain view of the future

The exact effects of gas production remain nebulous. 400 to 500 million cubic meters of gas promises Oehms as a "climate -friendly bridge energy", which could supply 10,000 to 15,000 households. Even a devilish offer: tax revenue for the community and new jobs! But contradictory statements about other drilling plans in the neighboring area cause additional unrest. Oehms distances itself from reports that additional holes in Lech-Ost should be sought in spring 2025. "In Vancouver they probably don't know the difference between Lech and Lech-Ost," says Oehms, but the clarity is also not more convincing. The patience of the citizens disappears - after two hours of heated debate, even the benevolent voices in the room seem to be presented as individual voices.