News item | 22-09-2023 | 2:30 PM
Gas extraction in Groningen will stop on October 1 this year. After 60 years, gas extraction from the Groningen field will come to an end. The government also wants to stipulate in law that all extraction locations will be demolished from October 2024 so that restarting is no longer possible. After the draft decision in June, the Council of Ministers has now definitively approved it.
State Secretary Vijlbrief (Mining): “Finally, gas extraction in Groningen will stop. A relief for many, even though the earthquakes will unfortunately continue for years to come. The demolition of all extraction sites from October next year is a historic moment that we are going to mark. Because we as a country must reflect on such an important moment.”
Starting point: 0 winning
Only in special situations, such as extreme cold, will it be possible to extract gas temporarily and to a limited extent this coming winter. But the starting point is zero extraction. In these special situations, this concerns the temporary start-up of one or more production locations to pilot light level when very severe cold is predicted. For example, very severe cold is -6.5 degrees during the day for several days. Because one or more locations are then set to the pilot light, a quick response can be made if, for example, a gas storage facility fails in those circumstances.
Final closure in 2024
Although the uncertainty on the gas market is not expected to disappear completely after October 1, 2024, and may even increase again, the Groningen field will be closed as of October 1, 2024. After the coming winter, it will be assessed whether additional measures are necessary to ensure security of supply when the field is closed.