Groningen raises no objections to conversion of Grijpskerk gas storage facility
The Groningen authorities have no objections to the conversion of the gas storage facility at Grijpskerk. The gas storage facility currently stores high-calorific gas (a type of gas that contains much less nitrogen, which means that more energy can be extracted from it). Converting the storage facility to low-calorific gas is an important condition for being able to stop gas extraction earlier and close the Groningen field.
On February 14, State Secretary Vijlbrief published his decision on the Grijpskerk storage plan. Interested parties can lodge objections until March 28. Because the conversion is an important condition for the closure of the Groningen field and does not lead to greater insecurity for residents, the region will not take further legal action against the State Secretary's decision.
Why is the conversion necessary?
Currently, only high-calorific gas may be stored in the Grijpskerk storage facility. The decision makes it possible to store low-calorific gas. Using Grijpskerk as a storage facility for low-calorific gas will enable the Groningen field to be closed sooner. Grijpskerk can then be used as a buffer during cold periods to ensure security of supply. The low-calorific gas stored in Grijpskerk can then be used for households.
Safety and damage
The State Supervision of Mines (www.sodm.nl) indicates that Grijpskerk can be safely used as a storage location for low-calorific gas. As with the storage of high-calorific gas, there is still a risk of earthquakes and some damage to buildings cannot be ruled out. The level of safety for local residents will remain the same when the facility is converted to low-calorific storage. The Groningen authorities want damage claims to be settled according to the principle of legal presumption. In his decision, the State Secretary indicates that he is open to this and wants to discuss it in the environmental process with the parties from the Westerkwartier and Noordenveld. The region will keep a close eye on this.