News item | 16-07-2025 | 09:00
Residents give average (60-70%) broad support for the future use of the deep surface, in particular to keep energy affordable and to remain independent from abroad. That is one of the conclusions from an online study by the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth. The research was about the future use of the deep surface, such as the extraction of geothermal, natural gas and salt, and the storage of energy.
More than 5,000 Dutch people have given advice, tips and suggestions on the basis of two questions: What should the government take into account when using the deep surface? And what is important when choosing a place for using the deep surface?
Safety first
People who are for future use of the deep surface think it is important that this happens safely. About 60% of the participants have appointed this as a condition for future activities in the deep surface. When choosing a concrete location, residents think it is important to take extra account of protected nature reserves.
Restraint
People who have experienced damage as a result of the use of the deep surface set different priorities than the average resident. They are generally more reluctant about its future use; The extraction of natural gas or petroleum in particular receives much less support.
In addition, these people attach more value to affordability of energy. This group of residents also says that there should not be any new damage on top of existing damage and that existing damage must first be solved properly. Whether there has already been damage in a place must be considerably taken into account when choosing a concrete place to use the deep surface. Some of them believe that gas or oil extraction outside the claim should still be possible, provided that the government acts transparently and reliably and under strict conditions on safety and compensation.
Priorities average Dutchman
Taking into account, among other things, over -representation of some age groups, the results of the research are representative of the ‘average’ Dutchman. In addition, differences and similarities in priorities have been mapped between residents with different backgrounds: from other regions, with a difference in experienced negative effects and on the basis of their opinion about plans regarding future use of the deep surface.
Deep surface in the Netherlands
for sustainable energy and raw material extraction. The deep surface plays an important role in this. It is crucial that we continue to use the deep surface safely and wisely.
The National Sustainable Use Program Deep surface (PDGDO) makes this possible by answering the questions why, where, when and under which conditions different activities can take place in the deep surface. This is done with respect for people and the environment, and in dialogue between rich, other governments, companies, social organizations and residents.