The proposed expansion of the Tanklux fuel storage facility at Mertert port has sparked ongoing controversy in the region. Tanklux intends to increase its storage capacity from around 60,000 cubic metres to over 150,000 cubic metres. On 15 October, Luxembourg’s Ministers for Labour and for the Environment signed off on the necessary permits for the project. In response, the Grevenmacher municipal council unanimously voiced its opposition during a council meeting held on Friday.
Concerns raised by the council include security risks, the impact on residents’ quality of life, and questions about whether such an expansion is still justified given the national transition to renewable energy.
Monique Hermes, Christian Social People’s Party (CSV) mayor of Grevenmacher, commented that in the current era of transitioning towards alternative energy sources, this project would be a step backwards. Additionally, she voiced concerns over drone threats that target critical infrastructure, which needs to be taken into account in new risk assessments.
The council also highlighted potential risks for local flora and fauna, and warned that the expanded storage facility would be located close to tourist infrastructure and the wastewater treatment plant. Like neighbouring Mertert-Wasserbillig, Grevenmacher plans to lodge a formal administrative appeal against the ministerial decision.
Hermes added that from Monday, Grevenmacher and Mertert will make lists available in their municipal offices for residents to register their opposition to the project, to help show the scale of resistance. She explains that if the administrative appeal is rejected, the case can be taken before the administrative court before further steps will be considered.
Opinions among residents remain mixed.
Some argue that reliable fuel supplies are essential for industry and economic stability and that supply cannot be secured only with energy generated by electricity and wind.
Others express deep concern, describing the project as a "ticking time bomb".
One resident voiced fears about a potential leak, which would have catastrophic consequences for the Moselle river.
Another was worried about potential accidents, noting that those could also occur at the fuel depot in Bertrange.
For its part, Tanklux has declined to comment further at this stage, stating that it wishes to respect the ongoing administrative appeal process. In a brief written statement, the company stressed that the planned expansion will comply with the strictest European safety standards.
Opposition is not limited to Luxembourg. Across the border in Germany, resistance is also mounting. The small village of Temmels is even closer to the fuel depot than Grevenmacher, prompting the Verbandsgemeinde (collective municipality) of Konz to join the campaign against the project.
In March 2015, residents from both Luxembourg and Germany already came together to protest against similar expansion plans.
