The agreement brings clarity after years of uncertainty regarding this issue. Although it was legally established in 2024 that no new gas extraction under the Wadden Sea would be allowed, the permit holder NAM had already requested permission in 2019 for extraction near Ternaard under the Wadden Sea.
Despite public concerns about this plan, the cabinet had no legal grounds to reject NAMs application. The issue dragged on for years, but the Council of State ruled twice that the cabinet could no longer postpone a decision. To force a breakthrough, consultations were held last year with NAM to persuade them to withdraw the extraction request.
It has now been agreed that NAM will withdraw its request for approval of the extraction plan. The cabinet will pay a gross amount of €163 million to NAM and EMPN. A significant portion of this amount returns to the state through contributions to the state participation EBN and taxes, so NAM and EMPN are expected to receive a net amount of 40 million euros together.
The amount will be paid from the national budget and concerns underspending for 2025. Money that was budgeted but not spent. This expenditure still needs to be approved by parliament.
Minister Hermans (Climate and Green Growth): “I am very pleased that we have now forced a breakthrough, as this issue felt like a never-ending prayer. I sincerely hope this brings peace and clarity. With this agreement, we respond to a broad desire from the House and society to prohibit new gas extraction under the Wadden Sea near Ternaard.”
This agreement definitively excludes gas extraction under the Wadden Sea near Ternaard. Because legislation for gas extraction under the Wadden Sea has been adjusted in recent years, it is certain that no new gas extraction will take place now or in the future under the Wadden Sea.
