Reduction of greenhouse gases
We are taking measures to gradually reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to zero. We have halved our methane emissions in the past two years alone. We utilised the knowledge gained from this process for our CO2 reduction programme, which has now already started. The goal of the CO2 reduction programme is to halve CO2 emissions by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. We will also ensure that our emission intensity is always lower than that of imported gas.
Electrification of offshore installations
Electrification is essential if we are to further reduce emissions from natural gas production. New installations will be all-electric. We will also electrify the existing core infrastructure wherever possible to enable CO2 storage, and hydrogen production and transport. We are aiming to electrify 80% of the core infrastructure, which will allow us to produce some natural gas using electrical power, in turn leading to additional CO2 reductions.
Setting out best practices for CO2 reduction in blue hydrogen projects
The CO2 released during the production of blue hydrogen is stored deep below the surface to reduce our CO2 emissions and those throughout the entire gas chain. We are translating the knowledge and experience we have gained from our successful methane reduction into a programme to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from blue hydrogen production to the levels of green hydrogen production.
Emissions reduction for decommissioning projects
By 2030, 88 offshore gas platforms and 10 offshore oil platforms are expected to be decommissioned. Onshore the same applies to 135 drilling locations and 10 processing centres. We will consult with our suppliers to ensure sustainability criteria are included in our tenders so that the dismantling process takes place in the most climate-friendly way possible. Together with the other economic operators in the chain, such as supply industry partners, we will develop specific goals for this purpose.
Introducing producer responsibility
Emissions from the combustion of natural gas further downstream must also be reduced. With this in mind, we support research into introducing a producer responsibility system such as the Carbon Takeback Obligation (CTBO). Such a policy instrument would impose on obligation on producers or importers of fossil fuels to guarantee that the CO2 released during their use (either in whole or in part) will not be emitted, but either captured or stored.
Transparency, monitoring and reporting of own emissions
We monitor the progress of our emission reduction actions and publish reports annually. We will also report on our users' emissions in a Scope 3 emissions report to gain insight into the entire lifecycle of Dutch oil and gas products.
