Groningen authorities: closure of Groningen field as of 1 October 2023

Legally establish

The region emphasised importance of legally formalizing the closure of the field as soon as possible. In its advisory opinion, the region also raises several points regarding damage, reinforcement, and health, which form part of the region’s list of demands in response to the parliamentary inquiry.

Safety first means closure

According to the State Secretary, there are three options for the coming gas year: closing the field as of October 1, keeping eleven production clusters open with a gas production of 3.2 billion m³, or keeping five production clusters open with a production of 1.5 billion m³. From a safety perspective for residents in Groningen, the region recommends closing the field as of October 1. This also results in the lowest possible number of buildings that do not yet meet safety standards. The conclusions and recommendations of“Groningers boven gas” also emphasise importance of closing the field as of October 1.

Eliminate the causes and consequences for residents

Residents of Groningen are already assuming that the Groningen field will be closed as of October 1, 2023. According to the region, this could be a first step toward restoring trust. The closure of the Groningen field does not mean the problems are over. The earthquakes continue, buildings still do not meet safety standards, and damage continues to occur. Therefore, the root cause of the problems must be addressed as soon as possible, and long-term efforts must be made to restore normalcy for the residents of Groningen. This also applies to the mental health impacts, particularly among young people.

Add buildings to the reinforcement plan

In addition, the region believes that the State Secretary must fulfill his commitments and legal obligation to include buildings that do not meet safety standards in the reinforcement program. In implementing the reinforcement program, the government must take much greater account of the recommendations from “Groningers boven gas.” Groningen needs a people-centered and area-specific approach, one that eliminates unacceptable disparities, gives a greater role to the owner/resident, and addresses the social consequences of the reinforcement. The region does not see this adequately reflected in the government’s response to the inquiry committee’s report.

Flexibility in claims handling

When it comes to damage, the region believes that the Groningen Mining Damage Institute (IMG) should be given sufficient legal and financial leeway to compensate for damage fairly and generously, even beyond NAM’s liability. Furthermore, in cases of complex and/or multiple instances of damage, it should be possible to offer a streamlined claims process in which not every instance of damage is subject to debate.

Annual gas decree Advisory gas decree

Each year, the local authorities in Groningen issue a recommendation regarding the adoption decision for the coming gas year. The recommendation is issued by the Province of Groningen, the councils , Het Hogeland, Eemsdelta, Groningen, Oldambt, Westerkwartier, Veendam, Pekela, and Westerwolde, the Groningen Safety Region, and the Noorderzijlvest and Hunze en Aa’s water boards.