06 July, 2010At the proposal of the Lower House of the Dutch Parliament, the possibilities have been investigated for realising a large-scale CO2 carbon, capture and storage (CCS) project in the North of the Netherlands at an accelerated rate. Alongside energy conservation and energy generated from sustainable sources, CCS is a necessary part of an effective climate policy in the transition to an energy supply which is fully sustainable.
As of 2015, CCS could be possible in the North of the Netherlands and in theory the gas fields Boerakker (Groningen), Eleveld (Drenthe) and Sebaldeburen (Groningen) would be the first to be considered for CCS. These are the locations where it is the most meaningful for the initiators to allow detailed investigations to begin regarding the suitability and safety of the sites for CCS projects. Final decisions will be taken by the next government. This was the content of a letter to the Lower House written by Minister Van der Hoeven of Economic Affairs and Minister Huizinga of Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment (VROM). The Members of the Provincial Executive for Drenthe, Friesland and Groningen and the mayors of the municipalities involved were informed about this today.
According to the recommendation on CO2 transport and storage strategy Bouwstenenadvies CO2-transport- en opslagstrategie issued by natural gas exploration, production, transportation and sales company EBN and gas infrastructure company Gasunie at the request of the Ministry of Economic Affairs, theoretically speaking nine gas fiends are suitable for CCS in the context of a large-scale project which could be operational in the north of the Netherlands as of 2015. The government's preference currently goes to three of these: Boerakker (Groningen), Eleveld (Drenthe) and Sebaldeburen (Groningen). This selection represents the first step in the process of realising safe CCS in the north of the Netherlands.
Recommendations
In issuing their recommendations, EBN and Gasunie investigated the timely availability of storage capacity, cost-efficiency scenarios for CO2 transport and storage, the roles of the parties involved and possible obstacles in realising this large-scale CCS project. The calculations for storage capacity took into account all available underground and undersea gas fields and oil fields in the Netherlands. Further investigation is necessary before making the final selection. The government will only grant permission for CCS if further research confirms that these sites are safe. EBN and Gasunie concluded that it is possible to carry out large-scale CO2 transport and storage in a cost-efficient manner.
Communication
In collaboration with the provinces and municipalities involved, the government will start a comprehensive communication process to keep residents and involved parties well informed throughout the process and to ensure justice is done to the input by community inhabitants. Alongside information for the general public, tailored information will be provided according to municipalities' specific requests. A platform has been set up where representatives of local nature and environmental organisations, companies and authorities can exchange ideas regarding communication on CCS in the north of the Netherlands.
Final selection in 2011
Although the government currently gives its preference to the gas fields Boerakker, Eleveld and Sebaldeburen, the decision has not yet been taken regarding whether CO2 will in fact be stored there. The environmental impact report is expected to be completed in 2011, with investigations starting in autumn 2010. Should investigations demonstrate that the three fields to which preference is currently given do not satisfy the safety and environmental requirements, then the other fields on the list which do satisfy these requirements will be considered after all.
The other fields are: Annerveen (Drenthe), Bedum (Groningen), Grootegast (Groningen), Roden (Drenthe), Ureterp (Friesland) and Zuidwal (Friesland). The next government will be responsible for making a decision regarding the final storage location and transport route in 2011. Power company Nuon and electricity and gas provider RWE - the initiators of this large-scale storage location and transport route - will then have to prepare and submit permit applications, which must be approved by the government.
