The Dutch government is set to permanently shut down Europe’s largest gas field in less than four months, accelerating a closure timeline that may limit its supply buffer as it heads into next winter, Report informs referring to Bloomberg.
The Groningen field in the northeastern Netherlands will shut on October 1, people familiar with the matter said, asking not to be identified as the plans are still private. The cabinet will make an official decision later this month, a Dutch government spokesperson said.
The Netherlands previously aimed to close the field at the latest by October of next year depending on the geopolitical situation, but officials have faced political pressure over the repercussions from earthquakes it caused.
The field has been a key source of gas for much of western Europe, as well as a backbone of Dutch public finances, since production commenced in 1963. But the site has also caused huge local opposition after hundreds of earthquakes since the 1980s damaged thousands of homes. The move comes days after prime minister Mark Rutte narrowly survived a no-confidence vote following accusations that the government was insensitive to complaints.