More than 5,000 Dutch people have provided advice, tips, and suggestions based on 2 questions: what should the government consider when using the deep subsoil? And what is important when choosing a location for the use of the deep subsoil?

People who support the future use of the deep subsoil find it important that this is done safely. About 60% of participants have mentioned this as a condition for future activities in the deep subsoil. When choosing a specific location, residents find it important to take protected nature areas into account.

People who have experienced damage as a result of the use of the deep subsoil set different priorities than the average resident. They are generally more cautious about its future use; particularly the extraction of natural gas or oil receives much less support.

Additionally, these people place more value on energy affordability. This group of residents also states that no new damage should occur on top of existing damage and that existing damage must be resolved properly first. Whether there has been damage at a location should weigh heavily in choosing a specific site for the use of the deep subsoil. Some of them believe that gas or oil extraction outside the damage area should still be possible, provided the government acts transparently and reliably and under strict conditions regarding safety and compensation.

Taking into account, among other things, the overrepresentation of certain age groups, the results of the research are representative of the average Dutch citizen. Furthermore, differences and similarities in priorities have been mapped between residents with different backgrounds: from other regions, with differences in experienced negative effects, and based on their opinions about plans regarding the future use of the deep subsoil.

For sustainable energy and resource extraction. The deep subsoil plays an important role in this. It is crucial that we continue to use the deep subsoil safely and wisely.

The national program Sustainable Use of Deep Subsoil (pDGDO) makes this possible by answering the questions of why, where, when, and under what conditions various activities in the deep subsoil can take place. This is done with respect for people and the environment, and in dialogue between the State, other governments, businesses, civil society organizations, and residents.