Gas agreement between EWE and ONE-Dyas on natural gas supply
The N05-A gas field in the North Sea is set to play a significant role in securing energy supply and promoting sustainability for both Germany and the Netherlands. The joint extraction agreement between the Dutch natural gas producer ONE-Dyas and German energy supplier EWE underscores the commitment of both companies to the energy transition.
## Energy Security Boost
The N05-A field, estimated to yield between 4.5 and 13 billion cubic meters of gas, represents a substantial contribution to Germany's energy consumption, accounting for approximately 6 to 16 percent of its total gas consumption in recent years. This project forms part of Germany's efforts to diversify its energy supply following the Ukraine war, emphasizing the need for alternative sources. The cooperation between Germany and the Netherlands also strengthens the European gas market's security by ensuring a stable supply from regional sources.
## Balancing Sustainability Concerns
While the N05-A project contributes significantly to energy security, its impact on sustainability is more nuanced. Environmental groups and the Green Party in Germany have raised concerns about the reliance on fossil fuels, as it may increase climate-damaging emissions and potentially undermine sustainability goals.
However, technological advancements in the field, such as the electrification and automation of platforms, could potentially reduce emissions during extraction. ONE-Dyas plans to produce gas locally, use existing infrastructure, and supply the platform with offshore wind energy from the nearby Riffgat wind farm after the cable has been laid. This strategic move aims to balance short-term energy needs while working towards long-term sustainability goals.
## A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
The supply of natural gas from N05-A is an example of how international cooperation can contribute to a more sustainable future on the way to a CO2-neutral energy supply. EWE, one of Germany's largest energy supply companies, has taken over the production from the German part of the N05-A field for the supply of German households and businesses.
The Federal Cabinet of Germany has approved the signing of the Unitization Agreement between the governments of Germany and the Netherlands on the exploration of cross-border hydrocarbon deposits in the North Sea. This agreement is in line with the joint declaration signed by the Lower Saxony state government and ONE-Dyas in 2022, which has also been ratified by the current state parliament.
Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche supports the agreement, stating that it strengthens the supply security of Germany's neighbors and the European gas market. The domestic production of natural gas, in combination with renewable energies, plays an important role in securing and shaping a more sustainable and ultimately climate-neutral energy system.
For more information about the agreement and related photos, visit
[1] Source: German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy [2] Source: ONE-Dyas B.V. [3] Source: EWE AG [4] Source: Rotork plc [5] Source: International Energy Agency (IEA)
- The cooperation between ONE-Dyas and EWE, as demonstrated in the unitization agreement for the N05-A gas field, underscores their mutual commitment to both securing energy supply and promoting a more sustainable future, given their plans for local production, infrastructure utilization, and offshore wind energy integration.
- In an effort to balance short-term energy needs and long-term sustainability goals, the involvement of large energy companies like EWE in the development of natural gas fields, such as N05-A, can serve as a step towards a carbon-neutral energy system, providing a mix of gas and renewable energies in the pathway towards a sustainable future.
