Dutch to stop gas production at Groningen field from October 1
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Although the gas tap in Groningen will be shut off on October 1, 2023, the gas plant will not be decommissioned immediately, according to reports.
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Gas extraction in Amsweer, northern Netherlands on Friday, January 19, 2018 (AP)
According to the Netherlands Broadcasting Corporation (NOS) on Friday, based on a government decision and after years of earthquakes, the Netherlands will end gas production in Groningen from October 1.
Although the largest gas field in Europe will be turned off on October 1, the plant will not be dismantled right away.
Furthermore, in the case of a severely cold winter, gas wells will remain open until October 1, 2024, according to the broadcaster.
The government's decision to halt gas production in Groningen, according to Dutch State Secretary for Extractive Industries Hans Vijlbrief, is an "important moment" for inhabitants of the province who have for decades been suffering from earthquakes directly caused by the drilling operations.
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Vijlbrief added that "the problems of Groningen residents have not yet been solved and unfortunately the earthquakes will continue for years to come, but the source of all misery will be closed from October."
Despite the fact that gas output from the field has nearly ceased in recent years, the Dutch government has kept the facility operating owing to global energy risks, primarily due to the war in Ukraine.
