Dutch coalition blocks Waddenzee gas drilling, sets 14 billion euros for nuclear power

The Netherlands’ new coalition will keep producing natural gas in the Noordzee but will not issue new permits to drill beneath the Waddenzee while phasing out onshore gas extraction and keeping the Groningen gas field closed, according to the coalition agreement. Furthermore, more than 14 billion euros has been allocated for the construction of nuclear power plants.

The document states that gas production on land will be wound down “in a responsible manner” and confirms that the Groningen gas field will remain shut, consistent with decisions taken by previous coalitions.

At the same time, the coalition plans to invest in what it calls “affordable energy from our own soil,” including expanded electricity generation from wind turbines. The parties also said they will continue to support the production of green gas and green hydrogen.

More than 14 billion euros from the Climate Fund has been earmarked for nuclear power construction. That funding must also cover preparatory costs and the expense of keeping the existing nuclear plant in Borssele operating for a longer period.

Former climate and energy minister Sophie Hermans said in May last year that building two nuclear plants would require between 20 billion and 30 billion euros. She also said at the time that those investments would initially need to be made largely by the government. The coalition parties have not allocated additional funding for climate policy or nuclear energy beyond those amounts.