The Netherlands will close the largest gas field in Europe in October – Kommersant

The Dutch government intends to close the gas field in Groningen on October 1, reports Bloomberg citing own sources. A formal decision should be made before the end of June.

The Groningen field is the largest in Europe, and at its peak, more than 50 billion cubic meters were produced here. m of gas per year. However, the government of the country in 2018 decided to gradually reduce production and subsequently close the field due to constant earthquakes associated with the production process. Last year, production here amounted to only 4.5 billion cubic meters. m. This year, production will not exceed 2.8 billion cubic meters. m.

Previously, the Netherlands intended to close the field by October next year at the latest, depending on the geopolitical situation. However, the government of Prime Minister Mark Rutte faced serious pressure from the opposition and the local population to close the field due to the frequent earthquakes caused by the gas production process. A week ago, the current government narrowly escaped a vote of no confidence.

Last year the authorities allowedthat they can generally refuse to close the field. However, Mr. Rutte and then clarified that such an option is possible only “as a last resort.”

Kirill Sarkhanyants