Berlin – November 02, 2026 -- Deutsche Umwelthilfe (DUH) will examine legal action if RWE concludes a planned LNG supply contract with ADNOC that would include fracking gas from Argentina's Vaca Muerta formation.

RWE and ADNOC have signed a letter of intent covering LNG from ADNOC's global portfolio

Under the signed letter of intent, RWE would buy LNG from ADNOC's worldwide portfolio. DUH says that portfolio includes Argentine shale gas. ADNOC's investment arm XRG holds stakes in both the planned Argentina LNG export terminal and gas production in Vaca Muerta, one of the world's largest shale gas deposits.

DUH says the contract conflicts with RWE's climate targets and German supply chain law

DUH argues the deal contradicts RWE's own climate goals and the German Supply Chain Due Diligence Act, which requires RWE to prevent human rights violations and environmental damage along its supply chain. The group alleges that Vaca Muerta production involves intrusions into Mapuche indigenous land, water scarcity, groundwater contamination, earthquakes and falling agricultural yields.

NGOs demand cancellation before signing

DUH, several Argentine partner organizations and urgewald have sent RWE's management board an open letter. It asks the company to cancel the agreement before a final contract is signed.

DUH Federal Managing Director Sascha Müller-Kraenner said Germany does not need the LNG and called on RWE to review its gas procurement strategy. He said DUH will monitor the matter and assess legal steps if the contract materializes.

Moritz Leiner, energy and finance campaigner at urgewald, said the planned ADNOC imports from countries such as Argentina or Mozambique would carry climate and local impacts. He said RWE's green image is a facade aimed at investors. Raquel Perrier of the coastal community group Multisectorial Golfo San Matías called on RWE not to contribute to pollution of the Gulf of San Matías.