New extraction plan assumes much more gas extraction
The current extraction plan for Oppenhuizen assumed about 300 million cubic meters of gas was present and that 20 to 60 percent of this would be extracted. Based on the updated extraction plan, Vermilion Energy B.V. now expects to extract about 676 million cubic meters of natural gas from the Oppenhuizen, Oppenhuizen-South, and Oppenhuizen-North fields until 2038.
Remco van Maurik, daily board member of Wetterskip Fryslân: “Fryslân is very concerned. The minister must carefully consider all interests involved in this vulnerable peat area. Economic interests do not outweigh everything. With this decision, the minister gives away the limited space in the water system because the soil subsides further due to gas extraction. We urgently need that space to cope with the effects of peat oxidation, extreme precipitation, and drought. For water management, nature, and agriculture, every centimeter of soil subsidence caused by gas extraction is one too many.”
Deputy Friso Douwstra of the Province of Fryslân: “There is no support for gas extraction in Fryslân, especially not in vulnerable peat meadow areas. Yet new permits are being issued by the minister, which is also a competence of the national government. Besides the extraction, no benefits flow to where it is extracted; we will continue to fight for that.”
Alderman Henk de Boer of the municipality of Súdwest-Fryslân: “The position of our municipality is clear. Our residents must be able to trust that their safety and living environment are not endangered. More gas extraction at Toppenhuzen does not fit with that. We want to look ahead and invest in sustainable energy sources that contribute to a future without dependence on fossil fuels.”
Alderman Remboud van Iddekinge of the municipality De Fryske Marren:
“It is incredible that the minister, despite our joint concerns, chooses a significant expansion of gas extraction in this vulnerable area. The Hague learns nothing from the past and turns Fryslân into an extraction area. Fryslân bears the consequences, from soil subsidence to pressure on agriculture and nature, but sees no adequate compensation in return. We ask for a fair consideration, where not only gas extraction but also the interests of our residents and the preservation of this unique landscape are central. That is why we support this appeal.”
Wetterskip Fryslân files the appeal on behalf of four Frisian authorities
The municipalities of Súdwest-Fryslân and De Fryske Marren, the Province of Fryslân, and Wetterskip Fryslân want to prevent more and longer gas extraction at Oppenhuizen. They therefore file a (pro forma) appeal against the ministers decision. Wetterskip Fryslân is authorized to file the appeal on behalf of the four Frisian authorities. All Frisian authorities cooperate in the so-called Frisian Mining Table.
Procedures
In May 2025, the Frisian authorities jointly filed an appeal against the environmental permits already granted by the minister for the construction of gas pipelines and additional drilling locations. This appeal is still pending at the Northern Netherlands court. This appeal procedure at the Council of State is added to that. In June 2025, the four Frisian authorities each separately submitted a notice of objection against the draft decision to approve the new extraction plan. Against the ministers final approval decision, a joint appeal is now filed with the Council of State.
