The Hague, April 17, 2024 (AFP)
A controversial gas field in the north of the Netherlands that caused earthquakes for decades is to close permanently, a relief for many residents whose houses have suffered serious damage.
The Dutch Senate finally passed a law closing the Groningen gas field on October 1, 2024, late Tuesday following years of political wrangling.
"A ban on extracting gas from the Groningen field will come into force at the start of the gas year 2024-2025," the Senate said in a statement.
"In this way, the government wants to provide more clarity and security about the definitive end of the gas extraction," the statement added.
People living near the site, which opened in the early 1960s, have complained for more than 20 years of being terrorised by quakes attributed to drilling operations.
The local population endured low-magnitude, near-surface quakes caused by vacuum pockets formed during gas extraction. These caused widespread damage to homes and other buildings.
"All groups in the debate agreed a debt of honour should be repaid to the people of Groningen, first of all by speeding up the reinforcement of the buildings and the settlement of claims," said the Senate.
A residents' campaign group, the Groningen Bodem Beweging (GBB), described the law as a "historic moment", saying they were "happy and relieved" even if the decision was "bittersweet."
The government decided in 2018 to shut the gas field and extraction had been cut to almost zero in the past few years but experts have warned earthquakes could continue.
In October, the Netherlands halted extraction but kept 11 wells open in case of a severe winter.
Critics of the move have voiced concerns about the security of gas supply in the Netherlands, especially given energy uncertainties sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Sumber : AFP