Following a visit to Qatar, Germany’s Economy Minister, Robert Habeck, declared that the country would import liquefied natural gas. In a Twitter video, Habeck stated that Qatar will export liquefied natural gas to Germany.

“Qatar is in the process of increasing its gas extraction and we need more gas in the short term to replace Russian supplies,” Habeck said, as translated by Bloomberg. “That is what discussed with the Emir and the energy minister.”

According to Financial Times, Habeck did not elaborate on the details of the deal agreed in Doha but said it would be a “door opener” for the German economy as it would reduce dependence on Russian gas.

As quoted by DPA, the Minister said, “We might still need Russian gas this year, but not in the future. It starts like this — so he who has ears should start to listen.”

Germany is looking for other gas suppliers rapidly to minimise its reliance on Russia. The country is Europe’s largest natural gas consumer and the world’s seventh-largest consumer. Qatar made the final investment decision on a large LNG expansion initiative last year, which will increase the country’s yearly production capacity from 77 million tonnes to 110 million tonnes. The project is expected to be finished by the end of 2025 for $28.75 billion.

Despite a powerful green lobby that has successfully advocated for a switch to renewable energy, the German government has admitted that the country’s economy will require a significant amount of natural gas in the foreseeable future.