Utility & necessity

The Netherlands and Germany are committed to a CO2-neutral energy supply by 2050 and 2045, respectively. During this energy transition, both countries will still need gas. The use of natural gas will decrease in the coming years due to energy savings and a switch to renewable sources. In this energy transition, natural gas is a flexible and necessary source of energy. Alternative energy sources such as wind, sun or biogas will not yet be able to take over the role of gas in the coming decades.

Gas will remain a relevant energy source until at least 2050, as shown by all scenarios. Domestic gas production from the Netherlands and Germany is cheaper and less polluting than importing gas from abroad. It also ensures a more independent energy supply.

What do we use gas for?

We use gas for transport, for generating electricity and for heat. Natural gas is still the most important source of energy for heating our homes and buildings. Natural gas also provides the high temperatures needed in industry. Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our generation.

Why gas from the North Sea?

With the closure of the Groningen field, it has become more important to extract natural gas from small fields. The GEMS project contributes to this. Producing gas from small fields in the North Sea is preferable to importing gas from abroad. Important arguments for this are that gas production from small fields in the Dutch and German sectors of the North Sea is less damaging to the climate than imported gas, contributes directly to the local economy, and provides greater security of supply for our energy.