What is the situation in Groningen?

Currently, there are 16 small gas fields still producing in the province of Groningen. Some of these fields have permits valid for several more years. For others, the permit will soon expire and the sector is considering whether to apply for an extension of extraction. Additionally, there are 10 fields in Groningen for which an exploration permit was once granted. These are fields known to contain gas but for which no extraction permit has yet been issued. The sector will also consider whether to apply for extraction permits for these fields.

What is the provinces view on the sector agreement?

The Province of Groningen has previously responded to the ministry regarding the proposed sector agreement. In short, we have stated the following:

  1. We believe that gas extraction from small fields in Groningen should be ended as soon as possible.
  2. In our view, there is insufficient reduction of gas extraction from small fields. Groningen has so far contributed the largest share when it comes to gas extraction, even when looking only at extraction from small fields (excluding the Groningen field).
  3. We believe there must be a strong focus on fair compensation, whereby the legal presumption of proof also applies to small gas fields and the IMGs area of operation is expanded.
  4. The profit sharing from the sector agreement only applies to new extraction fields or expansion of existing fields. This is not yet the case in Groningen. However, a substantial part of extraction still comes from existing fields. The profit sharing does not apply there. Residents of our province are therefore disadvantaged again by this approach.

What happens next?

The sector agreement does not yet concretely address the consequences for gas extraction from small fields in the coming period. Except for the fields for which a permit has been granted (for a longer period), we do not yet know which fields will be considered for extraction in the coming years. The national government refers to NAM for this, and we will seek further information. Our starting point remains that gas extraction from small fields in Groningen should stop as soon as possible. Additionally, we will engage with our municipalities and water boards in Groningen to inform them about the sector agreement, the outcomes of our discussions with NAM, and any follow-up actions.