[4] Since 1986, there have been around 1,000 induced earthquakes in the northeast of the Netherlands caused by the exploitation of the Groningen gas field near Slochteren.
The heaviest registered earthquake in the northeastern province of Groningen had a magnitude of 3.6 and occurred in Huizinge on 16 August 2013.
While moderate in magnitude, the sheer number of events acts as a physical stressor to living conditions and gives an adverse outlook long term on structural integrity of homes and buildings.
On March 29, 2018, the government therefore announced it would shut down the gas extraction on this field entirely by 2030 at the latest.
It is projected the normal exploration will end by 2022, while still serving as a reserve for exceptionally cold winters.