Interview
In the interview Wilfried Ivens argues that the Netherlands will not run out of gas with an immediate effect. The reason for this is that gas production in Groningen will be phased out, albeit quickly. In addition, various smaller natural gas fields will continue to supply substantial quantities of gas for a number of years to come. Export contracts appear to be able to be phased out more quickly, leaving more gas for the internal market.
The discontinuation of gas production coincides with the commitment of the Dutch government to take green steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to achieve a real transition from an energy supply based on fossil fuels, such as gas, to renewable energy sources (solar, wind, heat networks). The rapid and extensive implementation of this transition will require far less gas in the near future than is currently the case. The Netherlands will import more gas in the future.
Wilfried Ivens expressed the expectation that the Dutch government would strive for diversification in the importance of geopolitical independence: bringing gas via pipelines from various countries (UK, Norway and Russia) and gas as LNG via ships from various countries (e.g. USA, Algeria, Qatar).
About Wilfried Ivens
Dr. Wilfried Ivens is a researcher, university lecturer and chairman of the Science department. In the spring of 2018, the University of the Netherlands broadcasted a mini-college from him: alternatives to our dependence on Groningen gas.
About RTVI
The Russian Television International (RTVI) is a New York-based international Russian-language commercial television station. The main target groups are the Russian-speaking communities in Israel, Germany and the USA. RTVI does not broadcast in Russia, but is available online to the Russian public.
Watch broadcasts
Watch the broadcast on RTVI.
