The province of Groningen, a large number of municipalities and the boards of the Safety Region and the water boards in Groningen have jointly sent a letter to State Secretary Vijlbrief. They want a possible increase in gas extraction in Groningen to be completely off the table.
Gasunie recently announced that the construction of a nitrogen factory in Zuidbroek, Groningen, has again been delayed. The installation, built by Gasunie, is intended to make foreign gas suitable for Dutch use.
The installation is an important link in closing off the Groningen field: if the foreign gas in Zuidbroek can be mixed with nitrogen, the gas from the Groningen soil is no longer needed.
Deputy of the province of Groningen Johan Hamster wants an absolute guarantee from the cabinet that gas extraction will not be increased again, now that construction is again delayed. “Extra gas extraction cannot be the problem because the safety of Groningers is still not guaranteed.”
In 2023 or 2024 tap completely closed
For the time being, the cabinet wants to completely shut off the gas tap in Groningen by 2024 at the latest. Until then, extraction will be phased out step by step. But with the delay in the construction of the nitrogen plant and the war in Ukraine, the question arises whether that is still feasible.
On Monday, Climate Minister Jetten warned that filling the Dutch gas stocks for next winter will become more difficult, now that Gazprom stops with delivery. Jetten called the use of Groningen gas a “very last option” if there are really major problems in the energy supply.
He thus repeated earlier words of the cabinet, which stated in April that keeping the Groningen field open is only possible in the most extreme case. According to the government, this is the case when the energy supply to households and “other protected customers such as hospitals is seriously endangered”.
Hamster is aware of the promises, he says in the NOS Radio 1 News† “But we thought it wise to send a letter.” As far as the commissioner is concerned, more gas extraction in Groningen is absolutely out of the question, even if there is generous compensation in return. “There are still 1500 to 2000 Groningen residents waiting for their home to be strengthened.”
Rutte again in Groningen
Prime Minister Rutte will be back in the province this afternoon to be informed about the progress made with regard to the earthquake problems. It is the seventh time that Rutte has paid a working visit to the province, but it is his first visit since Rutte IV took office.
The working visit starts in the city of Groningen at the Groningen Mining Damage Institute. That is responsible for handling all damage caused by earthquakes. Later in the day, Rutte will discuss the impact of the damage with victims.
–
