Netherlands ends gas extraction from Europe’s largest field

The Netherlands put an end to the extraction of natural gas from the Groningen field, the largest in Europe, on Sunday October 1. However, the authorities are keeping the last eleven extraction units operational for an additional year before definitively closing the valves in the event of winter. “very rigorous”against a backdrop of persistent geopolitical tensions.

The deposit had been exploited since 1963. For more than twenty years, the population has suffered earthquakes of low magnitude, but close to the surface, due to vacuum pockets formed during gas extraction, which caused numerous damages. After rejoicing in 2018 at the announced closure of the deposit, local residents became disillusioned with warnings from experts that earthquakes could continue for years.

And if gas extraction has gradually been reduced almost to nothing, The Hague decided in 2022 to postpone the closing of the valves due to global energy uncertainties. These are largely caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. “A lot of people in the province suffer from psychological problems because of gas extraction”underlined to AFP Jan Wigboldus, president of the Groningen Gas Council, a local association which campaigns for victims of earthquakes.