The Future of Groningen
Noord-Nederland as a driver for national energy transition.
With the conclusion of the Dutch parliamentary inquiry into natural gas extraction in Groningen, the question arises: what now? What are the future prospects for Groningen, its residents, and the region? The Province, Municipalities, and Water Boards of Groningen recently published their response. One of the key priorities mentioned in the inquiry, namely the energy transition, offers opportunities for Groningen and the Netherlands.
As natural gas extraction in Groningen is phased out, the industry involved, 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 the surrounding region. The energy transition presents an opportunity and a promising perspective for strengthening the living and business climate in the North.
With the knowledge and expertise built up here over 60 years, the existing and future infrastructure, and the urgency of today's challenges, this region has everything it takes to lead the Netherlands toward a new energy future. This is good for the Netherlands, for Groningen, and for the people of Groningen. It leverages what already exists and offers opportunities for a new, sustainable future, with new employment, knowledge, and education.
This is the reason for the report that has now been published The Future of Groningen: Noord-Nederland as an engine for the national energy transition.' This report identifies an economic opportunity for Groningen that benefits the people of Groningen, and it shows what's needed to realise it. It's a call to action for policymakers and politicians to do what's necessary for a new future for Groningen, and that of the Netherlands as a whole.
The offer from Groningen
Groningen aims to become the leading Hydrogen Valley (hydrogen region) in the Netherlands, serving as a model for Europe. To this end, a coalition of businesses and organisations has developed a plan for Groningen to become the driving force behind the national energy transition.
Groningen is offering a €9 billion private investment plan to facilitate this development. The plans could preserve tens of thousands of gas sector jobs and create tens of thousands more.
To capitalise on these unique opportunities, various governments need to make rapid and adequate decisions on:
- Guaranteed large-scale landing of offshore wind in Groningen
- A North Sea-Ems Corridor for cables and pipes
- Sufficient space and infrastructure around Eemshaven/Delfzijl
- Measures to ensure that Groningen residents fully benefit and thus create support
- Measures to support local SMEs
- Measures to strengthen innovation capacity and employment
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