A money pot for the region and not intended as a wallet for individual residents. Or as former deputy Tjisse Stelpstra himself describes it in his final report: no Postcode Lottery. Now that the restart of oil extraction is getting closer, work is being done behind the scenes on how the NAM financial contribution should be received in the area.
In extensive advice, Stelpstra has developed the first steps of the new Schoonebeek Area Fund.
Both NAM and the municipalities of Emmen and Coevorden want to prevent the fund from getting the appearance of a money pot that anyone can get a hold of. So no personal compensation, no checks, no distribution of funds that pits fellow villagers against each other. His advice is that the money should end up in projects that strengthen the region.
As far as the contribution is concerned, it is already known that the intention is for one euro per barrel won to go to the fund. If the oil price rises above 80 euros per barrel, an additional 50 cents will be added. The condition is that the oil field makes a profit, no matter how big or small. This way, money continues to flow into the fund, even in times of smaller margins.
NAM does retain the right to stop extraction if it can no longer continue. In that case, the money to the fund also dries up. A return of 45 to 60 million euros is assumed for the fund. But as long as (oil) supplies last, that is.
For extraction, NAM uses steam injection to loosen the viscous oil that remains in the wells. The resulting wastewater is sprayed into two nearby empty gas fields. This fact caused consternation in the village.
The money must be spent on projects that benefit the entire environment. Although no one has to count on personal checks from the fund, individual payments are not completely excluded.
But in such a way that the entire village can benefit. Consider, for example, a village-wide insulation program, a study fund or joint sustainability.
The fund must not become a ‘second government’. The future government must therefore ensure that no government tasks are financed, such as renovating a road. Unless the village views this positively.
The Area Fund will have a board of five people, which will decide on applications, check whether projects contribute to the goals and monitor the quality of expenditure.
The regulations state that the board must consult with the residents of the area at least once a year. Not only to collect what is going on, but also to encourage villagers to come up with ideas themselves.