According to a report, the Netherlands have stopped drilling in Europe’s largest natural gas field in Groningen due to seismic activity. Reportedly, gas was discovered in 1959 which provided an annual revenue of €15 billion and became important in the post war development of the dutch welfare state, but earthquakes began from the 1980’s and in 2012 a huge quake resulted in 3000 homes being demolished. According to the report, from 2011 there was a gradual shutdown and drilling stopped in 2023, though it is not clear whether it will be enough to prevent further earthquakes as empty cavities remain underground.
Reportedly, several wells remain open in case of severe winter weather and due to the uncertain situation caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. According to the report, Shell and ExxonMobil who ran the gas field are seeking compensation from the dutch government for the large quantities of gas left unextracted.