Dutch cabinet limits gas extraction in Groningen
The field is operated by the Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij (NAM), a joint venture between Royal Dutch Shell and ExxonMobil with each company owning a 50 percent share.
THE HAGUE, Feb. 9 2015 (Xinhua) — The Dutch government has temporarily limited the lucrative gas extraction in Europe’s largest natural gas field Groningen in the first half of the year, pending further research on the safety and quality of life in the northern province.
The increasing earthquakes caused by the gas extraction have led to growing complaints among the residents of Groningen.
Although the minor earthquakes haven’t caused any injuries, people feel unsafe and houses are damaged. The government decided last January to cut the gas extraction and compensate those affected by the earthquakes.