BERLIN, (Reuters) – Germany will continue to implement its plans to construct two liquefied terminals (LNG), and to increase its natural gas resources to decrease its dependence on Russian energy after the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, Chancellor Olaf Scholz stated on Sunday.

In a Bundestag special session, he said: “We will make more to ensure that our country has secure energy supply.”

We must make a change in our direction to reduce dependence on individual energy suppliers.

Germany is under increasing pressure by other Western countries to reduce its dependence on Russian gas. However, its plans to eliminate coal-fired power stations by 2030 and shut down its nuclear power plant have given it few choices.

In response to Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine, Germany stopped the Nord Stream 2 Baltic Sea Gas Pipeline Project, which is Europe’s largest divisive energy project.

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has been a catalyst for the West to place additional sanctions on Moscow, making it more important that the West addresses the problem of the supply of energy.

“The last few days have proven that forward-looking, responsible energy policies are crucial for both our environment and economy.” Scholz declared Sunday that this policy is important for security.

He said that Germany should expand its renewable energy production as quickly as possible.

He added that Germany would also increase the storage volume of natural gases by two billion cubic metres (bcm), through long-term options, and purchase additional natural gas on the world market in coordination to the European Union.

Germany boasts 24 bcm underground storage gas caverns, with around 30% remaining, according to the data of industry group Gas Infrastructure Europe.

Scholz stated on Sunday, too that Germany will quickly construct two LNG terminals in Brunsbuettel or Wilhelmshaven.

While he had indicated his support for LNG terminal construction when he was deputy chancellor and finance minister in the prior government, little was accomplished.