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 near Grijpskerk. The facility currently stores high-calorific gas (a type of gas that contains much less nitrogen, allowing more energy to be extracted from it). Converting the storage facility to low-calorific gas is an important prerequisite for ending gas production earlier and closing the Groningen field.
On February 14, State Secretary Vijlbrief published his decision regarding the Grijpskerk storage plan. Interested parties may file an objection by March 28. Because the conversion is a key condition for the closure of the Groningen field and the conversion does not pose a greater safety risk to residents, the region will not take any further legal action against the State Secretary’s decision.
Why is the conversion necessary?
Currently, only high-calorific gas may be stored at the Grijpskerk storage facility. The decision allows for the storage of low-calorific gas. Using Grijpskerk as a storage facility for low-calorific gas will allow the Groningen field to be phased out more quickly. Grijpskerk can then be used as a buffer during cold periods to ensure security of supply. The low-calorific gas stored at Grijpskerk can then be used for households.
Safety and Damage
The State Supervision of Mines (www.sodm.nl) states that Grijpskerk can be safely used as a storage site 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. With the conversion to low-calorific storage, the level of safety for local residents remains the same. The Groningen authorities want damage claims to be handled according to the principle of the legal presumption of liability. In his decision, the State Secretary indicates that he is open to this and wishes to discuss it during the environmental planning process with the parties from the Westerkwartier and Noordenveld regions. The region is keeping a close eye on this matter.