Wilhelmshaven in Focus: Energy and Supply Policy in February 2026

Wilhelmshaven: Energy and Supply in Focus

In February 2026, the Committee for Environment, Climate Protection, Agriculture, and Fire Protection thoroughly addressed the future development of energy and supply infrastructure in Wilhelmshaven. The topics ranged from securing the drinking water supply to subsidence forecasts for cavern storage and modern solutions in fire protection. The city is not tackling these issues alone – it closely cooperates with the district of Friesland and regional partners to ensure long-term security and sustainability.

Cavern Storage: Subsidence Forecast Until 2060

A central topic of the meeting was the presentation of the subsidence forecast for the Rüstringen cavern field, operated by Nord-West Kavernengesellschaft (NWKG). NWKG, a subsidiary of the Oil Reserve Association (EBV), maintains one of the largest cavern storage facilities in Wilhelmshaven, with a capacity of approximately 11 million cubic meters.

The caverns serve as underground storage for crude oil and mineral oil products. However, long-term subsidence on the surface occurs due to operations, monitored through leveling. The current forecast assumes that the maximum subsidence could reach 65 cm by 2060. According to the expert opinion, the effects on protected goods such as cultural monuments, soil, or groundwater are low.

Another project concerns hydrogen storage in the same cavern field. An impact analysis until 2075 shows that only a low subsidence of 24 cm is forecasted by 2060. The impact on the groundwater balance is negligible as long as ditch water levels remain stable.

Water Management: Regional Cooperation and Digitalization

The city of Wilhelmshaven is also a partner in a comprehensive water management project with the district of Friesland. The goal is to develop an inter-municipal system based on digitalization and data technology. The project, which receives up to 2.15 million euros in funding from the STARK funding guidelines, includes the establishment of a digital water level monitoring network and the development of a water balance model.

With this model, scenarios can be simulated to map the effects of climate change, land use changes, and water withdrawals on the region. This approach is particularly important in view of the increasing requirements of the EU Water Framework Directive and Wilhelmshaven's regional role in the hydrogen infrastructure.

Another focus is the integration of historical and current data into a water management data space (OOWV-sdx), used for decision support.

Fire Protection: Modern Vehicle Concept for the Future

In addition to energy and water issues, the city's fire protection concept was also in focus. The vehicle concept, adopted in November 2025, includes investments in environmentally friendly technologies, particularly electric vehicles.

A central component is the large fire truck (GTLF), equipped with a fire pump FPN 10-3.000 and a 8,000-liter water tank. Due to the outdated water supply system, fire water supply remains a challenge.

In addition, a special roll-on/roll-off container system for ship fire fighting is provided, operated by the state of Lower Saxony. This equips the Wilhelmshaven fire department well for operations at sea.

Outlook: Sustainability and Security in Focus

The developments in February 2026 show that Wilhelmshaven is prepared for the future on multiple levels. The cavern storage facilities remain an economic and strategic pillar but also come with long-term planning tasks. The water management project underlines the importance of regional cooperation in the era of climate change, while the modern fire protection concept combines security and sustainability.

The city has thus demonstrated that it not only relies on traditional infrastructure but also on innovation and networking – for a resilient future in the northeast of Lower Saxony.