Holland Entering the Unconventional Age

Eariler this year, the Dutch Energy Council, the highest advisory body of the Dutch government in energy affairs, came out strongly in favour of the development of unconventional gas in the Netherlands (Read More HERE)

Kees Wiechers, a member of the Energy Council and former CEO of Essent, the largest energy company in the Netherlands has experienced a lot in the energy world, but his eyes sparkle when he talks about unconventional gas.

"Of course, for the Netherlands it is good news," Wiechers said. "But the consequences for the world market is even more important. Can you imagine what the find means for China, where energy demand increases rapidly due to economic prosperity."

The Netherlands is believed to host significant unconventional resources.

"Estimates are circulating from one to several times the Slochteren field," Wiechers said, referring to the home of giant Groningen gas field, which has estimated gas reserves (2009) of 2700 billion m³ (95,350 billion cubic foot).

With drilling for shale gas expected to commence in the Netherlands later this year, Wiechers hopes that Dutch energy companies will take a leadership role, but fears a missed opportunity.

"We can benefit, but then Dutch (energy) companies are waking up. Certainly the field of gas, we have much knowledge, but the large amount of conventional gas that we possess makes us lazy.” Large energy companies like to maintain the status quo and are sometimes afraid of new challenges."

Source: Trouw