Phased Out Gas in Groningen?

As continued earthquakes caused by fossil fuel production led to damage, unsafety, and civil unrest, civil society organizations pressured the Dutch government to close the Groningen field. This field was a critical source of fossil fuel energy for decades, but its extraction came at a high societal cost. Since the onset of gas production, more than 1,600 earthquakes have occurred in Groningen province, causing significant property damage, safety concerns, and social disruption. These seismic events led to an extensive government-led reinforcement and damage repair operation, and temporary relocation of many residents. Despite the early recognition of the need for compensation and restoration, the past decade has been marked by unclear and shifting responsibilities, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and evolving compensation standards, all of which have exacerbated the social impacts. Because of this, many residents experience loss of trust in the government and endure chronic stress that impacts their well-being, family dynamics, and overall quality of life. Even after broad recognition of the flawed system, policymakers are reluctant to implement fundamental changes. The field is now closed with approximately 450 billion cubic meters of gas remaining underground. How can we explain this case in a turbulent time where geopolitical forces, energy demand, climate change, justice all intertwine? Can the transition away from fossil fuel production be considered "just" in a region that is continuing to grapple with its legacy of extraction? This paper, aligning with the “Phasing out fossil fuels and just transitions ” topic, we aim to answer the question: Does the closing of the field lead to a just (energy) transition? And what does this entail in an area that is still suffering from fossil fuel production while the same players operate under the same old logic?