The Netherlands Will Stop Gas Production at the Groningen Field
The Netherlands will complete gas production at Europe’s largest field in Groningen from October 1, the Netherlands Broadcasting Corporation (NOS) reports, citing a government decision.
“The gas valve in Groningen will be closed on October 1 this year, but the gas installation will not be dismantled immediately,” the channel reports.
It is noted that for another year – until October 1, 2024 – gas wells will remain open in case of a very cold winter.
Dutch Secretary of State Hans Feilbrief, who is in charge of the extractive industry, described the decision to stop gas production in Groningen as an important moment for the people of the province, who have suffered for decades due to the consequences of gas production.
The giant gas field at Groningen in the north of the Netherlands was discovered in 1959, and development began in 1963. The initial recoverable gas reserves of the field amounted to 2.9 trillion cubic meters. For many years, the field was the main source of gas supply to northwestern Europe, but due to numerous earthquakes in the province in the 1990s, the Dutch authorities decided to gradually limit production from the field.
