Six of the eleven remaining production sites for Groningen natural gas will close tomorrow, Saturday 1 April. The other five wells will remain in the pilot light location for the time being, so that they can be used immediately in an emergency to extract extra gas. This was reported by State Secretary Hans Vijlbrief (Mines).
The Cabinet’s decision is a further step towards the permanent closure of the Groningen field. The previous government decided to do this five years ago for the sake of the safety of the inhabitants of the mining area. Natural gas extraction has caused countless earthquakes over the last few decades, causing a great deal of physical but also emotional damage.
Implications
In recent years, gas extraction in Groningen has been phased out. The gas used by Dutch households for cooking and heating now comes largely from abroad. An additional factory was also built to make gas suitable for Dutch gas stoves and central heating boilers by adding nitrogen.
Complete closure
“By now we all know the consequences of gas drilling in Groningen,” says Vijlbrief. “Families have been torn apart, people have died from stress, and children have grown up without the carefree childhood they deserve.” The cabinet’s goal is therefore to completely close the Groningen field as soon as possible, preferably as early as next autumn and otherwise no later than a year later.
Source: BNR
Fernando Dowling is an author and political journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. He has a deep understanding of the political landscape and a passion for analyzing the latest political trends and news.
