HAGUE, Netherlands: The controversial Groningen gas field in the north of the Netherlands, which has been linked to decades of seismic activity causing damage to homes, will be permanently closed following the passage of a law by the Dutch Senate.
The Senate approved the law on October 1, 2024, bringing an end to gas extraction from the Groningen field effective from the start of the gas year 2024-2025, aimed at providing clarity and security regarding the cessation of gas extraction.
Local residents have endured more than 20 years of low-magnitude earthquakes attributed to drilling operations, resulting in widespread damage to homes and buildings due to vacuum pockets formed during gas extraction.
The decision to close the Groningen gas field was welcomed by all sides of the debate, acknowledging the need to address the grievances of Groningen’s residents by expediting the reinforcement of buildings and the settlement of claims.
Campaign groups like the Groningen Bodem Beweging (GBB) described the law’s passage as a “historic moment,” expressing a mix of happiness and relief despite acknowledging the bittersweet nature of the decision.
Gas extraction from the Groningen field had been progressively reduced to nearly zero since 2018, with concerns raised by experts that earthquakes could persist even after cessation.
While extraction has been halted, 11 wells remain open as a precautionary measure in case of severe winter conditions, underscoring lingering concerns about the security of gas supply in the Netherlands, particularly amid geopolitical uncertainties sparked by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
