Natural gas in the Netherlands: exploration and development in historic and future perspective

Abstract

The discovery in 1959 of the giant Groningen gas field with reserves of 2750 billion cubic metres (bcm) triggered a strong revival of the hydrocarbon exploration in the Netherlands. Over the last decades, the country has proven to be a very prolific hydrocarbon province, particularly for natural gas. Supported by the favourable exploration climate, exploration efforts have been generally at a high and sustained level. Well over 250 gas accumulations have been discovered throughout the stratigraphic column in various plays. Field sizes range from medium down to very small. The total initial reserves in these fields are around 1150 bcm. A mature stage of exploration has now been reached in many areas.