Groningen earthquakes, gas extraction winding down, sustainable energy: terms that have been in the news frequently in recent years. Gas extraction in Groningen, for decades an indispensable part of the Dutch energy supply, symbolises a tipping point in our energy history. The social unrest surrounding the earthquakes in the earthquake area has led to an irreversible decision: gas production in Groningen will be permanently phased out in the coming years.
In this blog article, we take a closer look at the phase-out of gas production in Groningen. We discuss the steps taken so far, the consequences of this phase-out for various stakeholders, and the measures taken to limit the impact. We also look ahead to the future.
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Phasing out of gas production
The phase-out of gas extraction in Groningen is a gradual process that started back in 2013. In 2018, it was decided to accelerate the reduction of extraction, with the aim of stopping completely by 2022/2023. However, this target has been adjusted to 2024 at the latest.
Phasing out gas extraction in Groningen should ensure that safety in the region is increased and the risk of earthquakes is reduced.
Measures that have already happened:
- Since 2014: Gradual phase-out of gas production.
- 2018: Cabinet decision to phase out gas production as soon as possible.
- 2022: Gas extraction reduced to 2.8 billion Nm3.
- 1 October 2023: Gas extraction completely stopped.
Measures to come:
- 2024: Start clearing gas extraction facilities.
- 2026: All gas extraction facilities cleaned up.
- 2030: Full completion of the reinforcement operation of homes and buildings in Groningen.
Reinforcement operation
Besides the winding down of gas extraction, a large-scale reinforcement operation is also underway in Groningen. This is necessary to make homes and buildings earthquake-resistant. The reinforcement operation is complex and time-consuming, and is expected to last until 2030.
Consequences
Cutting off gas production in Groningen also has consequences for the immediate area. Think economic, social and political.
Economic
Gas extraction in Groningen is an important source of employment in the region. Phasing out gas production will lead to the loss of jobs in the gas sector and supply companies. In addition, gas extraction in Groningen generates billions of euros per year for the Dutch state. Phasing out gas extraction will result in the loss of this revenue. On the other hand, the government will have to pay for the reinforcement operation.
Social
Despite the fact that many Groningers are positive about the reduction of gas extraction in their region, it still creates many uncertainties about their future. After all, many jobs are being lost. In addition, the earthquakes have caused a lot of damage to the area. Phasing out gas production will ensure fewer earthquakes, but will not be able to fully repair the damage done.
Politics
Many residents of Groningen have lost faith in the Dutch state because of the earthquakes and, in particular, the handling of the damage suffered. As a result, politicians are coming under increasing pressure to limit the impact of phasing out gas production on residents.
International
The Netherlands supplies a lot of natural gas to foreign countries. Cutting gas extraction in Groningen will lead to a loss of energy security in the Netherlands and Europe. We will become more dependent on the Middle East, for instance. This causes the Netherlands to look for alternative energy sources.
Sustainability
The winding down of gas extraction accelerates the search for sustainable energy sources such as wind and solar power.
Measures limit impact
The phase-out of gas production has a major impact on the Groningers, the Dutch economy and the environment. The government is taking a number of measures to limit the impact of the phase-out:
- Financial compensation for the Groningers: The Groningers who suffered damage from the earthquakes will be financially compensated.
- Investing in renewable energy: The government is investing in the development of renewable energy sources to reduce dependence on natural gas.
- Information and participation: The government informs the Groningers about the phase-out of gas production and involves them in the development of new energy plans.
Future
Phasing out gas extraction in Groningen is an important step in the transition to a sustainable energy supply. In the coming years, we will see how the Netherlands shapes this transition and what impact it has on the Groningers, the Dutch economy and the environment.
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