Nexstep

Nexstep is the National Platform for Re-use and Decommissioning, a dedicated organization established in 2017 to address the challenges of retiring oil and gas infrastructure in the Netherlands. It operates as a joint initiative of Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN), which represents the Dutch state in oil and gas projects, and Element NL, the industry association for Dutch oil and gas producers (formerly NOGEPA).

The platform focuses on stimulating collaboration among operators, knowledge sharing, innovation, and the development of effective regulations to ensure safe, cost-efficient, and environmentally responsible decommissioning and reuse of offshore platforms, wells, pipelines, and related assets primarily in the Dutch North Sea sector, as well as onshore facilities. Its goals include achieving zero safety incidents, minimizing environmental impact, and realizing significant cost reductions—targeting a 30% decrease from an estimated €7 billion total decommissioning liability.

Key activities encompass coordinating joint industry campaigns, such as multi-operator well plugging and abandonment projects, and exploring repurposing opportunities for energy transition applications including CO2 storage, wind farm infrastructure, and power-to-gas. Nexstep played a central role in launching PosHYdon, the world’s first offshore green hydrogen production pilot on an existing platform, in partnership with TNO and industry players. The organization maintains a small core team while engaging dozens of experts from operators, government, and service providers.

Positioned uniquely as the Netherlands’ first national body for offshore decommissioning knowledge sharing, Nexstep has advanced sector-wide standards and collaboration. In April 2026, following maturation of decommissioning processes, its activities were integrated into EBN and Element NL to streamline efforts within the broader energy policy framework.