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

Legally binding

The region emphasizes the importance of legally establishing the closure of the field as soon as possible. In its advice, the region also raises several points that are part of the region's set of requirements in response to the parliamentary inquiry, relating to damage, reinforcement, and health.

Safety first means closure

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

Eliminate causes and consequences for residents

The residents of Groningen are already assuming that the Groningen field will be closed on October 1, 2023. According to the region, this could be a first step in restoring confidence. However, closing the Groningen field will not solve all the problems. The earthquakes will continue, buildings still do not meet safety standards, and damage will continue to occur. That is why the cause of the problems must be eliminated as quickly as possible and long-term efforts must be made to restore the lives of the residents of Groningen. This also applies to the mental consequences, especially among young people.

Add buildings to reinforcement task

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 cabinet must do much more with the recommendations from 'Groningers boven gas' (Groningers above gas). Groningen needs a people-centered and area-focused approach, in which unacceptable differences are eliminated, the owner/occupant is given a greater role, and attention is paid to the social consequences of the reinforcement. The region does not see this sufficiently reflected in the cabinet's response to the report of the inquiry committee.

Room for maneuver 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 scope to compensate damage fairly and generously, even beyond NAM's liability. It should also be possible to offer a simple handling of the report in the case of complex and/or multiple damage, without every item of damage being a point of discussion.

Annual advice on gas decision

The Groningen authorities advise annually on the determination decision for the following gas year. The advice is provided by the province of Groningen, the municipalities of Midden-Groningen, Het Hogeland, Eemsdelta, Groningen, Oldambt, Westerkwartier, Veendam, Pekela, and Westerwolde, the Groningen Safety Region, and the Noorderzijlvest and Hunze en Aa’s water boards.