The operator of the Groningen gas field in the Netherlands sees no need for further measures aimed at reducing the risk of tremors, it said Feb. 19, following a series of small quakes.
Earlier this month, the Dutch government ordered production at the field to be cut by 44% as quickly as possible, and the immediate shutdown of five production points. That was in response to a magnitude 3.4 tremor, the largest in years, that hit the Groningen region in January.
But both the operator, NAM, and gas sector regulator SodM warned further quakes, caused by decades of gas extraction, couldn't be ruled out completely. This was underlined by three tremors with magnitudes of 1.7 to 2.2 between Feb. 8 and Feb. 11, which prompted SodM to demand a new review on production levels.
In its report, NAM said the latest tremors did not merit additional measures, as the closing of the production points in the Loppersum cluster and the overall output reduction were expected to dampen earthquake risks within six months.
NAM expects the latest measures to reduce production by 0.5 to 2 billion cubic meters (Bcm) in the year ending October 2018, compared with the original target for that year of 21.6 Bcm.
The government will present by the end of March a full overview of possible measures to cut production towards its ultimate goal of 12 Bcm, and will also decide on the production cap for the year through October 2019.
Recommended Reading
Congress Kills Biden Era Methane Fee on Oil, Gas Producers
2025-02-28 - The methane fee was mandated by the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which directed the EPA to set a charge on methane emissions for facilities that emit more than 25,000 tons per year of CO2e.
Exxon CEO Darren Woods: Hydrogen Incentives ‘Critical’ for Now
2025-02-03 - Exxon Mobil CEO Darren Woods said the end goal for energy policy should be a system in which no fuel source remains dependent on government subsidies.
Energy Transition in Motion (Week of Feb. 7, 2025)
2025-02-07 - Here is a look at some of this week’s renewable energy news, including a milestone for solar module manufacturing capacity.
Trump’s Executive Order Delivers Blow to US Offshore Wind
2025-01-21 - President Trump’s executive order halts new offshore wind leasing and permitting activity effective Jan. 21.
Oil Advocate Kathleen Sgamma Withdraws Nomination to Lead US Land Bureau
2025-04-10 - Oil industry lobbyist Kathleen Sgamma has withdrawn herself from consideration to lead the U.S. Bureau of Land Management.