The Wadden Sea: an expanse of water with rich biodiversity featuring various bird and marine species, as well as unique intertidal zones. - Gas extraction project cleared for advancement by energy firm.
The Dutch Economic Affairs Ministry has approved the controversial gas exploration project in the North Sea near the islands of Borkum and Schiermonnikoog, following a court ruling. The ministry's spokesperson informed the German Press Agency in The Hague on Wednesday that all defects identified in April have been rectified, allowing Dutch energy company One-Dyas to resume construction work from May 31.
Two organizations, the German Environmental Aid (DUH) and other environmental groups, as well as the island of Borkum, had filed lawsuits against the planned project. The goal was a drilling platform built on Dutch land about 23 kilometers northwest of Borkum, with extraction taking place in both Dutch and German territories close to the Lower Saxony Wadden Sea National Park. Protests against the gas exploration project have been frequent, with residents and environmentalists concerned about potential environmental damage.
The CEO of One-Dyas, Chris de Ruyter van Steveninck, confirmed the company's commitment to this year's gas extraction on Wednesday. "The publication of the restoration decision marks the start of One-Dyas immediately initiating offshore work so that the first gas can be made available in December 2024," he stated. The company aims to commence operations in the North Sea as soon as possible.
The Dutch government initially granted approval for gas extraction in summer 2022. However, German environmental organizations and Borkum appealed, leading to the Administrative Court's decision in April that partially favored the plaintiffs. While the license for gas extraction was deemed valid, the court criticized the insufficient investigation of the construction's potential impact on nature and animals. It also expressed concerns about possible increased nitrogen emissions and the consequences for a nature reserve on Schiermonnikoog.
Both countries must issue permits for the drilling process. The German permit procedure is still ongoing, and the Environmental Aid has promised a response. "The decision surprises us now. We will apply for an interim injunction as soon as possible," said DUH energy expert Constantin Zerger in response to a request. The targeted goal is to stop the construction. The Environmental Aid has also announced its intention to appeal the April court ruling, specifically regarding climate protection and reef protection.
Court ruling from April (Dutch)One-Dyas on the gas exploration projectGEMS-LBEG Information on the German planning approval procedureStatement of the Environmental Aid on the April judgmentStatement of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (May 29, Dutch)
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