08-07-2010 par Aude BriauxMethane port at Clipon searches desperately for partners

The enormous construction project for a methane port at Dunkerque took a drastic financial turn for the worse since the announcement by EDF to delay its investment decision that was expected for the end of June.  "The round-up of potential European partners has not finished" says the Minister for Economy Cristian Estrosi, who confirms the eventual outcome of the project.  For the moment, Total is the only remaining financial partner, announcing its participation of 10%.

The construction of this terminal in the western port of the town was the subject of a favourable decision made by the authorities last April 9th, tying the hands of the numerous opponents to the project.  This recent development could offer us a new hope.  Since the announcement of the construction of this terminal, Surfrider and the Adelfa association fight with vigour against this proposed environmental abberation.  Constant demographic pressures on the coastlines, the destruction of green areas, the disappearance of the beach at Clipon, threats to bathing sites and the rejection of waste linked with the exploitation of liquid methane gas on the coastal site... our worries are numerous but our watch is constant.

Several months ago, another methane project at Antifer in upper Normany was supsended for 6 months due to a lack of investment.