The role of natural gas in energy security
The Netherlands is in the midst of the energy transition. We are moving towards sustainable energy sources, such as solar and wind power. At the same time, we still rely heavily on natural gas today. This makes it an important factor in the country’s energy security. Without a reliable natural gas supply, our society would quickly come to a standstill at this stage of the energy transition.
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How natural gas contributes to energy security
Natural gas contributes to the energy security of the Netherlands in three ways. These three pillars of our energy security are:
- Domestic production: despite the closure of the Groningen gas field, natural gas production still takes place in the Netherlands. This mainly concerns gas extraction from so-called small fields beneath the North Sea.
- Imports: domestic gas production cannot fully meet demand for natural gas. For this reason, the Netherlands imports natural gas from other countries. We import natural gas from Norway through pipeline networks, or receive it by ship as LNG (liquefied natural gas) from countries such as Qatar and the United States.
- Gas storage: to prevent gas shortages during periods of high demand, EBN holds interests in four gas storage facilities. Natural gas stored there can be used during periods of high demand or when there are strategic reasons to deploy it. In addition to gas storage, EBN is also involved in other forms of energy storage, such as hydrogen and hot water.
Changing energy market
The energy market has changed significantly in recent years. The Netherlands produces less natural gas than it did in the past. As a result, we have become more dependent on imports. This also means that the Netherlands has become more sensitive to price developments caused by geopolitical tensions.
Energy security in an uncertain world
Geopolitical tensions can also affect the availability of natural gas. That is why it is important to source gas from a variety of countries and to maintain sufficient storage capacity. Protecting energy infrastructure, such as pipelines and LNG terminals, is also essential for safeguarding our energy security.
Natural gas in the energy transition
Although the Netherlands is transitioning to renewable energy, natural gas will remain necessary for the foreseeable future. It helps keep the energy system reliable during the transition. However, the role of natural gas is changing. The goal is to reduce its use step by step. At the same time, it is important to maintain sufficient gas availability for as long as it is needed. This means, among other things, that the phase-out of gas production takes place gradually, gas imports remain well organised, and gas storage facilities stay available and adequately filled.