Gas extraction. The earthquakes in Groningen have enormous impact. All aspects relating to this phenomenon will remain high on the agenda. The guiding principle is safety first. We will introduce measures to reduce dependence on Groningen gas, so that we can continue gradually scaling back production. This is necessary to ensure the safety of people living in the affected region and of gas buyers. Above ground, we will work on prevention, restoration and better prospects. The focus should be on restoring and strengthening homes, buildings, monuments and infrastructure – not on discussions about who is responsible for what. Damage claims and restoration will be dealt with by a body that is independent from Dutch oil and gas exploration and production company NAM. We will set up a fund to invest in the region’s liveability and economy. Safe and responsible gas extraction • Necessary measures to ensure safe gas extraction will be implemented, and decisions on gas production will also take account of the safety risks involved in ensuring security of supply. • The aim is to reduce demand for Groningen gas by 3 billion cubic metres (bcm) between now and 2021. According to current insights, both less extraction and more stable extraction reduce the earthquake risk. At the same time, it is clear that we must provide scope, now and in the future, for a fast response to new insights and incidents if necessary for safety reasons. NAM’s measurement and control protocol, which has been approved by the State Supervision of Mines (SODM), can help ensure responsible drilling of the gas field. We adopt the SODM’s positive recommendation. About half of the leeway created by the fall in demand will therefore be used to enable more stable extraction with as few fluctuations as possible. • During this government’s term of office, the use of gas by electricity companies and industry will be cut back where this is legally and technically possible and can be done responsibly, with a view to permanently reducing demand for Groningen gas. The government will negotiate with gas buyers on the possibility of switching to sustainable sources or, if this is not possible, to high-caloric imported gas. We will also make agreements with local authorities, distribution network operators, housing associations, financiers and other stakeholders on a programme-driven strategy for making the built environment more sustainable. • We expect to be able to reduce gas extraction by an extra 1.5bcm by the end of thi...
Gas extraction
