Tens of billions for the government for shale gas

The treasury could be filled with tens of billions over a period of several decades if shale gas is extracted in the Netherlands, according to Minister Henk Kamp (VVD) of Economic Affairs. He said this at a press conference when explaining the research into the risks of shale gas extraction in the Netherlands. The study indicates that the risks are manageable.

However, the minister does indicate that shale gas generates less income than conventional gas. This is due to the fact that the extraction process is more expensive. Exploratory drilling for shale gas could start in the second half of 2013 at the earliest. To achieve this, the government will have to take a positive decision in October with regard to exploratory drilling and extraction of shale gas.

After the study, which was carried out by the engineering firms Witteveen and Bos, Arcadis and Fugro, Minister Kamp indicated that he is positive about drilling for shale gas.
As a condition, he gives that it must be extracted in a responsible way, but that it can then contribute to the economy and the prosperity/purchasing power of the 'ordinary people'. The minister emphasizes that in addition to the consequences of individuals, the interests of the Netherlands as a whole must also be taken into account when making the deliberations.

The minister indicated that it is still up to the regional and local government before an exploratory drilling can take place, if the cabinet and the House of Representatives say yes to the drilling. Although the minister does have the power to overrule local government if this is requested by the national interest, the so-called National Coordination Scheme.