Dutch Party Proposes Keeping Groningen Gas Wells Open for Emergencies
Far-right opposition party JA21 plans to introduce a bill aimed at preventing the permanent closure of gas wells in the Groningen gasveld (Groningen gas field), once the largest natural gas reserve in Europe.
Party leader يوست إيردمانس said the proposal would not restart large-scale gas extraction but would keep part of the field available as a strategic reserve that could be used in emergencies if energy supplies become threatened.
Gas production in the Groningen gasveld (Groningen gas field) was halted after decades of earthquakes linked to drilling caused significant damage to thousands of homes and buildings in the province of Groningen. Public anger over slow compensation and repairs led parliament in 2024 to decide that the wells should eventually be permanently sealed with concrete.
According to يوست إيردمانس, completely closing the gas field would be a mistake during a time of geopolitical uncertainty. He argued that keeping some wells accessible would ensure that Nederland (Netherlands) could still rely on its own gas reserves if a serious energy crisis occurs.
Energy experts have also warned about potential risks to long-term energy security. Since the Russian invasion of Oekraïne (Ukraine), the Netherlands has sharply reduced imports of Russian gas and now relies mainly on pipeline supplies from Noorwegen (Norway) and liquefied natural gas shipments from countries such as the Verenigde Staten (United States) and Qatar.
Currently, about one quarter of the 337 wells in the Groningen gasveld (Groningen gas field) have already been sealed, while the remaining wells have not yet been filled with concrete or dismantled. The proposed law would ensure that some of these wells remain accessible under strict conditions.
However, many politicians argue that the damage suffered by residents in Groningen means the gas field should remain permanently closed. At present, there is no parliamentary majority supporting a reopening of the wells.