Times of Israel: Dutch mentors want bigger stake in Israeli gas business

The Netherlands, after offering expertise for years in developing Israel’s offshore gas fields, is looking to get directly involved, now that its own gas supplies appear to be shrinking. That comes out of a get-together in Tel Aviv with a funky name.

The Dutch have relied on natural gas for nearly half of their energy, and as a result have gained a great deal of experience in managing gas deposits, while ensuring that the economy did not become overly dependent on sales of fossil fuels, and keeping the environment clean. Accelerated Israel-Dutch cooperation in the energy sector began in 2012, when dozens of energy executives and government officials came over to make deals with the consortium that is developing the Tamar and Leviathan gas fields.

Last week, another large delegation of 50 top representatives of the Israeli and Dutch natural gas sectors, ranging from pipeline experts to leading offshore companies, met for drinks in Tel Aviv at an event named aptly, if awkwardly, “Dutch Gas Business Drinks.” Representatives of most of the large Dutch gas firms attended, and nine Dutch companies delivered presentations. On the Israeli side, leading companies, experts and policymakers in the gas sector took part. After the presentations, the Dutch embassy hosted an informal network opportunity.
MORE