Groningen authorities urge JA21 to withdraw gas reserve proposal

Regional authorities in Groningen and North Drenthe are calling on the political party JA21 to withdraw a legislative proposal that would keep parts of the Groningen gas field available as a strategic reserve.

The initiative seeks to maintain certain wells and installations in an operational state to allow for 'readiness extraction' and emergency extraction during gas crises. Regional officials, represented by Deputy Susan Top, argue that this proposal contradicts previous government promises to permanently close the field to ensure regional safety and recovery.

Local leaders emphasize that the closure of the Groningen field was a foundational step for the 'Nij Begun' program, which focuses on socio-economic recovery. They express concern that keeping wells operational could lead to new gas extraction, creating renewed uncertainty regarding ongoing house reinforcement projects and damage compensation for residents still suffering from the effects of decades of gas extraction.

JA21 leader Joost Eerdmans has stated that the party does not intend to fully reopen the gas taps, but rather aims to preserve the supply as a strategic reserve, describing the previous decision to fill wells with concrete as a ‘historical blunder’.