Future of Groningen: Northern Netherlands driving the Dutch energy transition
Upon the recent conclusion of the Dutch parliamentary inquiry into the natural gas extraction Groningen, the question looms: what now? What is the future perspective for Groningen, the Groningen people and the region? The province, municipalities and water boards of Groningen recently published their answer. One of the spearheads mentioned therein, namely the energy transition, offers opportunities for Groningen as well as for the Netherlands.
As the natural gas extraction in Groningen winds down, the industry, knowledge institutions, policymakers and many other public and private parties have been preparing in recent years for the economic, technical and social transition of Groningen and its surrounding region. The energy transition is an opportunity and beckoning perspective to strengthen the social and business climate in the Northern region.
With the knowledge and expertise gained in the Groningen region during 60 years of natural gas extraction and distribution, the existing infrastructure coupled with today’s urgency, the region has everything to offer to lead the Netherlands to a new energy future. This is good for the Netherlands and for Groningen. And for the Groningen people. It makes use of what is already here and offers opportunities for a new, sustainable future. With new jobs, knowledge and education.
It is the reason for the report ‘The Future of Groningen: Northern Netherlands as an engine for national energy transition’.
This report maps out an economic opportunity for Groningen that will benefit the people of Groningen, and shows what is needed to make that opportunity a reality. It is a call to policymakers and politicians to do what is needed for a new future for Groningen, and that of the Netherlands.
