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Netherlands Gas Fields Map




The history of gas in the Netherlands dates back to the early 20th century. The discovery of gas in the region began with the first significant find at the Slochteren field in 1959. This discovery was a turning point for Dutch gas production, leading to the establishment of a robust gas and gas industry in the country. The Slochteren field, located in the Groningen province, became one of the largest natural gas fields in the world, with its discovery marking the Netherlands as a key player in the European energy market.

Over the years, the Netherlands developed an extensive network of gas fields. The Slochteren field alone has been a major contributor to Dutch gas production, with significant reserves that have played a critical role in meeting domestic energy needs and contributing to the national economy. However, the prominence of gas in the Netherlands has diminished over the decades, as natural gas has taken center stage. The shift in focus is partly due to the Netherlands' strong commitment to reducing carbon emissions and transitioning towards renewable energy sources.

Around 40 years ago, in the early 1980s, the Netherlands had a significant number of active gas fields and drilling rigs. During that period, the country's gas production was more prominent, with numerous fields operational across various regions. The number of active gas fields was higher compared to today, reflecting a time when gas was a more central part of the Dutch energy mix.

As of now, the number of active gas fields and derricks in the Netherlands has significantly decreased. This reduction is due to the natural decline in production from existing fields, lower exploration activities, and a shift in focus towards natural gas and renewable energy sources. The exact number of active gas fields and derricks today is lower, reflecting the reduced role of gas in the country's energy strategy.

Estimating how soon the remaining gas reserves will be depleted involves considering various factors, including current production rates, remaining reserves, and future exploration activities. The remaining gas reserves are expected to last several decades at current production rates, but exact timelines can vary depending on market conditions, technological advancements, and changes in energy policies.

The largest fields in the Netherlands are primarily associated with natural gas. The Groningen gas field is the most significant, with estimated reserves of around 2,800 billion cubic meters. It has been a major contributor to Dutch gas production, though its output has been reduced in recent years due to seismic activity concerns and government policies aimed at reducing extraction to mitigate induced earthquakes. Other notable fields include the smaller but still important fields like the Schoonebeek and the Korthals Altes fields, although their production is comparatively lower.

In summary, the gas history of the Netherlands has evolved from a period of significant gas production to a focus on natural gas and renewable energy. The number of active gas fields and derricks has decreased over the years, with a shift in energy priorities reflecting broader changes in the global energy landscape. The Groningen field remains a major asset, though the future of Dutch gas and gas production will increasingly rely on sustainable practices and energy diversification.




Field Acronyms



EUR_MMBOE = Estimated ultimate recovery in million barrels of gas equivalent

Giant gas and gas fields = those with 500 million barrels (79,000,000 m3) of ultimately recoverable gas or gas equivalent.

Super giant gas field = holds equivalent of 5.5bn barrels of gas reserves.

Netherlands Gas Fields

Bergen Field, Netherlands, Discovered 1964, Giant FieldGroningen Field, Netherlands, Discovered 1959, Supergiant FieldPlacid Field, Netherlands, Discovered 1970, Giant Field

Data Source: EIA

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