- Three new nitrogen plants are being constructed near Zuidbroek, Groningen.
- The project received approval from the Economic Affairs and Climate Minister.
- The plants will be operational by mid-2022.
- The capacity is 180,000 m3 of nitrogen per hour.
Project Overview
Air Products and N.V. Nederlandse Gasunie have commenced the construction of three new nitrogen plants near Zuidbroek, Groningen. The groundbreaking ceremony took place on March 9, following project approval from The Netherlands’ Economic Affairs and Climate Minister, Eric Wiebes.
Objective and Timeline
The construction of these nitrogen plants is a critical component of the Dutch cabinet’s plan to cease gas extraction at the Groningen Field. The plants are scheduled to be operational by mid-2022, providing the necessary infrastructure to replace Groningen gas with higher heat content imported natural gas, which requires conditioning.
Technical Specifications
The new nitrogen plants will cover approximately 12 hectares and have a combined capacity of 180,000 m3 of nitrogen per hour. This capacity is significantly larger—over ten times—than the existing nitrogen plant at Zuidbroek.
Strategic Importance
Han Fennema, Gasunie’s CEO, emphasized the importance of this project in accelerating the end of gas extraction in Groningen. The installation of these nitrogen plants is essential to ensure that, from 2022, gas from the Groningen field will no longer be needed for the security of supply.
