The court in Gelsenkirchen has banned the climate demonstration called by Greenpeace and Fridays for Future from starting at the entrance of the RWE Gersteinwerk gas pipeline. The police justified the measure due to fears of disturbances, while up to 2,000 attendees, including Greta Thunberg, are expected at a nearby camp. For citizens, this decision limits the right to protest against new gas projects, prioritizing public order over environmental mobilization.
Gersteinwerk Gas Pipeline: Key Infrastructure in the Energy Transition 🌍
The Gersteinwerk gas pipeline is a central piece of energy infrastructure in North Rhine-Westphalia. Designed to transport natural gas, its operation is linked to RWE's combined cycle power plant, which aims to replace coal in the grid. However, activists point out that any new fossil gas project contradicts the 2045 climate goals. The carbon capture technology that RWE has mentioned as a possible solution is not yet operational at an industrial scale at this plant, raising doubts about its real viability.
Greta and 2,000 Environmentalists Camp, But Not at the Gate 😅
German justice has made it clear that, although you can camp with 2,000 people and Greta Thunberg, you cannot do so right at the gas pipeline gate. It's like banning a band's fans from setting up camp backstage but letting them do it in the parking lot. Sure, from there they can smell the gas, but without disturbing the infrastructure. After all, public order is sacred, even if the planet is melting.