The Netherlands owns approximately 175 smaller onshore gas producing fields. Credit: Anita starzycka from Pixabay.

The Netherlands government is planning to impose limits on exploration drilling in new onshore oil and gas fields in a bid to achieve its climate goals, reported Reuters.

As part of the new plan, the country intends to approve onshore drilling work for gas fields which have already received exploration permits.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

In addition, the government has decided to grant no new drilling permits for onshore oil fields.

The government, however, intends to limit exploration in offshore gas fields in the North Sea as it looks to reduce its dependence on Russian gas.

Netherlands Mining Deputy Minister Hans Vijlbrief was quoted by the news agency as saying: “Gas is still needed as we move to sustainable alternatives. But oil is no longer needed to guarantee the energy supply to households.”

Currently, the European country owns approximately 175 smaller onshore gas producing fields, which are expected to supply nearly 400 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

In a separate development, the Dutch government is planning to close production at its Groningen field by October 2023, owing to the risks of earthquakes, The Financial Times (FT) has reported.

In recent years, gas production at the field has been reduced to a minimum to limit seismic risks in the region.

Vijlbrief was cited by the news agency as saying that the earthquake-prone gas field will be shut by 2 October 2023. However, the field would remain operational for another year, if required, to meet potential gas shortages in Europe following the winter.