When the first offshore natural gas came ashore in 1975 via the NGT pipeline from the L10 A platform, no one could have imagined the impact Dutch gas would still have fifty years later.
On Monday 10 November, the sector and its partners gathered on the SS Rotterdam to celebrate fifty years of North Sea gas during a special anniversary dinner. A moment to look back, reflect and look ahead to the contribution that the Dutch natural gas sector makes today to a reliable and affordable energy system.
Outgoing Minister for Climate and Green Growth Sophie Hermans was also present. She was interviewed by moderator Donatello Piras. Despite her short period as minister, she succeeded in securing an important sector agreement that acknowledges the role of Dutch gas production in the energy transition.
“I experienced the conversations I had at the time as very constructive,” Hermans said. “The strength of this agreement lies in the cooperation between government and industry. Together we can use North Sea gas with more predictability and stability now that we still need it in the energy transition.”
During the dinner, current and former offshore workers presented the minister with the Canon Fifty Years of North Sea Gas: an overview of the stories, people and events that together mark half a century of offshore gas production.
Element NL Chair Gerda Verburg underlined the continued importance of an active natural gas sector in the Netherlands: “Fifty years of North Sea gas has brought our country an enormous amount, but we also looked ahead. Dutch gas remains important as the cleanest alternative to imported gas. It results in lower CO₂ emissions and strengthens our geopolitical independence. In addition, the sector contributes to climate objectives with CO₂ storage and the reuse of infrastructure for the transport of hydrogen and CO₂.”
