natural gas company NAM findings are a downer. The company itself had proposed to win 27 billion cubic meters of gas. In very cold winters it had to be stepped up even to 33 billion cubic meters.

After additional studies, TNO, TU Delft, KNMI and CBS claims the SSM that this is unwise. It is better to return to 24 billion cubic meters. Only when it appears that more can be safely recovered this amount may possibly go up again. It is also important to avoid as much as fluctuations in production as possible.



Greatly reduced

The government has greatly reduced gas extraction in Groningen in recent years. SSM, after the new studies that it has had very beneficial effects on the quakes in Groningen. “Intervening in gas production from 2014 has had a clear effect on the degree of seismic activity,” writes the supervisor in the official advice to the government. “The seismicity after the interventions strongly decreased in production than had been predicted prior to the action.”

The SSM believes that the NAM in its own calculations for Responsible mining has had enough attention to safety Groningen. However, the company falls short when it comes to the risk of damage to homes caused by the drilling. “NAM has the degree of damage is found overrated acceptable,” reads the harsh conclusion.

All in all SSM concludes that the risk calculations of the NAM “constitute a solid basis” for the “establishment of a sound production level “. As a precaution, the regulator recommends now to get to attend more than 27 billion cubic meters per year upwards. “With this production level seismic activity appears to be significantly reduced.”

It is expected that the government will take the advice of SSM. As it looks now is that next Friday made a final decision.

Earlier leaked all that the government likely to further reduce gas production. As was said a production ceiling of 25 billion cubic meters. From the leaked document that proves therefore to be 24 billion cubic meters