Opening the Groningen gas tap more: the security of supplies is at risk

The Cabinet will determine before April 1 the amount of gas that must be finally released from the Groningen field.

Factory ready later

Adjusting the amount of gas to be pumped has two reasons. Since the nitrogen plant in Zuidbroek is ready later than planned, there is not enough low-calorie gas used in Dutch homes. As a result, the security of supply can no longer be guaranteed from April.

The second reason relates to the increased demand for gas from Germany. This is because Germany’s energy-saving measures have proven less effective than expected.

earthquakes

In response to the potential decision to extract more gas, the engineering firm TNO was asked to perform another seismic and hazard analysis for Groningen. The State Mine Supervisory Authority will advise on safety risks on this basis.

“We are studying the impact on safety. It was previously calculated by TNO that extracting 7.5 billion cubic meters of gas has little or no impact. However, we have requested additional calculations based on these new figures. The state’s supervision of the mines for additional advice and on this The basis for the final decision on gas will be adopted before April 1, “says the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

Groningen extra gas to Germany bitter

Political reporter Marieke van de Zelver describes the extraction of additional gas as a bitter pill for the Cabinet. “Groningen’s gas extraction has been brought to an end much faster than had been expected in recent years. However, it is very sensitive that this year the tap will be opened more than previously said. This will lead to more distrust among Groningers, who have already done so. Don’t feel like the government is taking them seriously,” says van de Zelver.

“The fact that the gas tap should be opened more to make up for the delay at the nitrogen plant in Zuidbrück was a possibility that the ministry had already taken seriously into account recently, but that additional Groningen gas should also be sent to Germany is a bittersweet experience. The new minister will have to talk to the Germans In the near future to keep the supply as low as possible, but the question is whether that will work.”