Netherlands sticks to plan to close Groningen gas field by October

Source: The post is based on the article “Netherlands sticks to plan to close Groningen gas field by October” published in Economic Times on 22nd January 2023.

What is the News?

The Netherlands has planned to shut down the Groningen gas field this year because of safety concerns.

What is Groningen gas field?

The Groningen gas field is a natural gas field in Groningen province in the northeastern part of the Netherlands.

It is the largest natural gas field in Europe and one of the largest in the world.

The gas field was discovered in 1959. The subsequent extraction of natural gas became central to the energy supply in the Netherlands.

Why is the Netherlands closing down the Groningen gas field?

Gas extraction in the Groningen gas field resulted in subsidence above the field. From 1991 this was also accompanied by earthquakes. This led to damage to houses and unrest among residents. 

Due to this, the Netherlands has planned to shut down the Groningen gas field by the end of 2023.