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  2. About EBN

About EBN

Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN) is owned 100 per cent by the Dutch state; our shares are administered by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate. Read more about our participations, activities and organisation.

In 1963 the minister appointed our legal predecessor, ‘De Staatsmijnen (DSM)’, to conduct efficient exploration and extraction, planned management and the best possible sale of hydrocarbons. With the privatisation of DSM, EBN assumed this responsibility. In addition, we advise the government on parts of the energy and climate policy.

The role of EBN

We see it as our responsibility to make a contribution to society’s ambitions in relation to the climate. We do this by making a contribution to making the traditional gas value chain more sustainable. Throughout the chain, EBN can use its influence by bringing parties together and by contributing capital, infrastructure, knowledge and expertise in actual projects. In respect of the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, EBN has an advisory role due to its knowledge of the subsurface and the gas value/energy value chain.

EBN wants to use its operating activities to make a substantial contribution to reduction of CO2 and a carbon-neutral energy system. At this point in time, natural gas still has a share of around 40 per cent of our energy consumption. EBN will continue to support the extraction of natural gas in the Netherlands as long as there is still demand for it within the country. This means that less gas needs to be imported, which is beneficial on several fronts, including the carbon footprint. At the same time, EBN is committed to bolstering the geothermal energy sector and accelerating the development of geothermal energy. EBN is also active in the development of CO2 storage. EBN is exploring the opportunities for underground energy storage and other building blocks for sustainability, such as the development and production of hydrogen and green gas. In this way EBN is energising the transition towards a carbon-neutral energy system in 2050.

Participations

EBN is involved as a non-operating partner in nearly all oil and gas projects in the Netherlands. Our stake in these activities is generally 40 per cent. The results of this go into the state treasury for the most part and thus benefit Dutch society. In addition, since 2019, EBN has been able to have a financial stake in geothermal energy projects in the Netherlands.

Strategy and activities

Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN) is 100 per cent owned by the Dutch state. Read more about our participations, activities and organisation.

  • Our Dutch Gas

    Dutch natural gas, an essential component in the process of making the gas value chain more sustainable. The stimulation and acceleration of exploration and production of Dutch small gas fields.
    Read more on Our Dutch Gas

  • Return to Nature

    Responsible decommissioning and, where possible, reuse of infrastructure.
    Read more on Return to Nature

  • New Energy

    Contributing (not least with our know-how) to the development of new, sustainable sources of energy, such as geothermal energy, green gas and hydrogen.
    Read more on New Energy

Over the past few years, EBN has implemented its strategy under the auspices of these three strategic pillars. As a result, our position has visibly moved from a more ‘silent’ partner behind the scenes of energy provision in the Netherlands, to an organisation that aims to be the link to the energy transition through its knowledge and know-how, financial position and network. Recent activities in the field of acceleration of the development of geothermal energy and the boosting of the sector are concrete examples of this.

The roles and activities that EBN takes on in projects and partnerships generally cover the following issues:

  • sharing knowledge of the subsurface and the gas value chain
  • managing existing assets and using them in the energy transition
  • exploring new options and participating in pilot schemes
  • investing in oil and gas projects, and in geothermal energy
  • implementing seismic research (SCAN)

Organisation

EBN has around 120 qualified, experienced employees. They work in a thematic team, a dedicated section or in a supporting department.

Indeling organisatie EBN

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