Majority in Netherlands supports keeping Groningen gas wells

A clear majority of people in the Netherlands supports keeping parts of the Groningen gas field available for emergencies, according to a representative survey that also shows widespread concern over rising costs, international conflict, and energy security.

The survey, conducted by Verian for De Telegraaf, shows 73 percent of respondents are worried about rising inflation, 65 percent about high fuel costs, and 72 percent about a potential expansion of international conflict. Concerns about higher energy bills, product shortages, and increased refugee flows into Europe are also widely reported.

At the center of the debate is the Groningen gas field, including infrastructure near the hamlet of Schaapbulten in Groningen, where NAM has extracted gas since 1971. The wells there have now been closed. Despite that, 60 percent of respondents say gas wells should remain available for emergencies. In Groningen itself, opinion is divided: 44 percent view remaining reserves as a strategic emergency supply, while 38 percent oppose that view.

The Tweede Kamer and the Eerste Kamer have decided to permanently close the Groningen field, including sealing wells with cement. The government led by Prime Minister Jetten has also followed this course, despite criticism from opposition parties and energy experts who argue that a strategic reserve may still be necessary.

A section of the survey reflects skepticism toward government policy. Nearly 60 percent of respondents believe the government is not doing enough to prevent energy shortages and rising prices for households and businesses, while only 11 percent say it is taking sufficient action.

Furthermore, according to the findings, 73 percent worry about inflation driven by global events, 65 percent about fuel prices, and 72 percent about the conflict expanding beyond its current regions.

A number of energy policy positions show strong public support for short-term relief measures. Two-thirds of respondents favor lowering the value-added tax as an effective way to reduce pressure from the energy crisis.

There is also broad support for a fuel price cap and temporary reductions in fuel taxes. Encouraging remote work and greater use of public transport are also seen as effective, while car-free Sundays receive comparatively limited support. The government is expected to present an initial package of measures on Monday aimed at easing cost pressures.

Long-term energy strategy also divides opinion. A majority supports structural measures such as expanding North Sea gas production (61 percent), increasing gas imports (59 percent), building more offshore wind farms (58 percent), and subsidizing household energy efficiency upgrades (57 percent).

Less support is seen for maintaining coal plants longer, with only 26 percent considering that effective. Electric vehicle subsidies are viewed as effective by 38 percent of respondents. Nuclear energy receives mixed views: 50 percent see new nuclear power plants as effective in the long term, while 15 percent say they are not.