News item | 23-04-2025 | 14:00
The Cabinet, Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN) and trade association Element NL have concluded a joint agreement to responsibly win the remaining (potential) natural gas in the North Sea. Minister Sophie Hermans of Climate and Green Growth signed on Wednesday, overlooking the North Sea, the ‘Gas extraction sector agreement in the energy transition’. This agreement focuses on more efficient gas extraction from gas fields in the North Sea. Although we consume less and less gas, the gas from the North Sea is still needed for our energy supply for the time being. This makes the Netherlands less dependent on other countries and has less impact on the climate than imported gas.
More own gas
Minister Sophie Hermans: “In a world that is becoming increasingly unstable, it is important that we take responsibility for our energy supply. This agreement helps us ahead: with less foreign dependence, less emissions and with an eye for the future. We use what is still there, with an eye for the climate and future generations.”
We are working hard on a future -proof and clean energy system. “Nevertheless, GAS remains necessary for the time being in the transition to a climate -neutral energy system. For years, the Netherlands has been importing more gas than we produce ourselves. A large part of it comes from far, which leads to extra emissions during extraction and processing. That is why the government wants to get the intended gas as much as possible, because it makes us less dependent on the minister.”
“That can also be seen in the infographic energy in figures that EBN makes annually,” says Jan-Willem van Hoogstraten, CEO of Energie Beheer Nederland. “American LNG provides much more CO₂ emissions than Dutch natural gas. And apart from that: there is at least 100 billion cubic meters of natural gas under the Dutch North Sea. This natural gas can make a major contribution to our energy independence, affordability and is therefore not only better for the environment, but also for the economy.”
Cooperation for the future
In order to be able to win this gas safely and efficiently, it has been agreed that companies in the sector will work more closely together. There will be one joint approach per region in the North Sea, so that projects can be planned and implemented smarter. It is also becoming more attractive and easier for companies to invest in the development of new gas extraction projects.
The agreement includes the following specific agreements:
More efficient cooperation
- The government and sector will work more closely to reduce costs and risks.
- There will be a joint planning (‘regional programming’) of projects at sea.
Faster and more transparent permit process
- License procedures become faster but also clearer and more predictable, of course without compromising care.
- The Ministry of Climate and Green Growth are informed early about new projects. With complex applications, a preliminary consultation first takes place. For example, we strive for rapid decision -making within legal frameworks and reasonable deadlines.
Increase investigation activities
- Extra investigative activities are needed to improve gas production.
- The government is investigating how financial risks can be limited. In exceptional cases, EBN can take a larger share in investigation projects to reduce the risk for companies.
- When a company decides not to develop an area, others can take over. This way the potential gas remains accessible.
“The industry can help the Netherlands with safe and responsible gas production. That is good for energy independence, affordability and climate. This agreement is the start of intensive cooperation to improve predictability and stability. It is now up to the government, EBN and the Natural Gass sector to bring the first steps in practice in practice.
Agreements for gas on land
This agreement focuses primarily on scaling up gas extraction in the North Sea. The agreements are currently being worked out for gas extraction on land. These will provide clarity about a responsible reduction of gas extraction on land and the conditions on which gas extraction can still take place.