Appointment of new Gas Storage Bergermeer Project Director

In this role, Ben will be managing the development of the TAQA-operated Bergermeer Gas Storage project in the Netherlands. Ben will replace Jan Willem van Hoogstraten who was appointed Managing Director of TAQA’s Netherlands subsidiary TAQA Energy BV in August 2010 after heading up the Bergermeer Gas Storage project since January 2008.

Ben has been involved in the development of several underground gas storage projects in Europe and is currently Business Line Manager at EBN. EBN is an independent company with the Dutch state as its sole shareholder. The company participates on behalf of the Dutch state in most gas production ventures in the Netherlands and participates in the Bergermeer Gas Storage project with a 40% stake.

“I am delighted to see Ben join TAQA. Ben is an industry expert with first-hand experience from developing several European underground gas storage projects. Coupled with his broad experience from the energy industry, relationships with the Dutch state and his proven leadership skills, Ben is the right choice for Director of this significant project,” said Jan Willem van Hoogstraten, Managing Director TAQA Energy BV.

Bergermeer Gas Storage will be Europe’s largest third party access gas storage facility with an initial working volume of 4.1 billion cubic metres. The storage will significantly enhance the security of energy supply to Dutch and European consumers and contribute to the liquidity of the Northwest European gas markets.