TAQA, Eneco Gasspeicher and Gasunie Zuidwending Establish Gas Storage Netherlands

Gas Storage Netherlands can act as a representative organisation for any underground natural gas storage facilities connected to the Dutch gas transmission system operated by Gas Transport Services B.V. (GTS). This regards underground natural gas storage and not storage of liquefied natural gas (LNG) or CO2. The establishment of Gas Storage Netherlands will allow early notification in relation to developments at the Netherlands Competition Authority, Gas Transport Services (GTS) and regulation. Gas Storage Netherlands intends to collaborate with other organisations such as GSE (Gas Storage Europe) in achieving common goals.

The indigenous natural gas reserves and flexibility offered by natural gas production in the Netherlands is rapidly decreasing. Transportation routes for gas imports, such as LNG and pipeline gas, are becoming longer while the supply of renewable energy that requires the flexibility offered by natural gas is also increasing. Sufficient natural gas storage capacity is required to guarantee the security of supply and the flexibility needed for a properly functioning gas market. The role of gas storage in securing energy supply will become increasingly important in the Netherlands.

Jan Willem van Hoogstraten, President of Gas Storage Netherlands: “TAQA is focused on being a major contributor to the establishment of the Northwest European gas hub in the Netherlands. Despite improvements over the past decade, there are still significant obstacles to the development of additional capacity in the Netherlands. Gas Storage Netherlands will allow gas storage developers and operators to speak with one voice and together create a favourable climate for new and existing gas storage facilities. Together with our members, we will ensure that issues such as predictable legislation, permitting processes and the creation of a Dutch and European-wide level playing field will rank high on the agenda of the European Institutions, Dutch government and regulators.”

Treasurer Piet Frints: “For Eneco, the combination of gas plants and gas storage facilities forms a very important catalyst for sustainable energy. Since wind and solar power are not available on demand, gas is a vital flexible resource for generating electricity. Gas storage facilities, such as Eneco's Gasspeicher Project, are also important for ensuring the reliable supply of gas during cold winter days. That is why Eneco Gasspeicher aims to bring the specific importance of gas storage to the attention of policy makers. Gas Storage Netherlands offers excellent opportunities in that respect.”

Secretary Willem Faber: “The highly flexible Gasunie Zuidwending underground gas storage is of crucial importance for matching intraday natural gas demand and supply. Natural gas and the flexibility offered by gas storage will offer the required flexibility for the use of sun and wind power as part of the future sustainable energy mix. Gasunie Zuidwending and other gas storage facilities are replacing the swing function of the Groningen gas reservoir and are therefore of essential importance in securing the Netherlands’ security of energy supply and gas infrastructure of the future. The role of Gas Storage Netherlands as a representative organisation is therefore self-evident.”

The Board of Gas Storage Netherlands consists of Jan Willem van Hoogstraten, Managing Director TAQA Energy B.V. (President), Piet Frints, President Eneco Strategic Assets B.V. (Treasurer) and Willem Faber, Director Gasunie Zuidwending B.V. (Secretary).

ENDS

CONTACT:

TAQA Media Relations
Allan Virtanen
+31 64 61 47 448
allan.virtanen@taqaglobal.com

ENECO Media Relations
Tom Gordijn
+31 65 31 47 460
t.p.m.gordijn@eneco.nl

Gasunie Zuidwending Communications department
Eleanor Hyde
+31 6 3103 7101
press@gasunie.nl


NOTES TO EDITORS

About Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA)
In the Netherlands our established gas storage business includes operating the Alkmaar Peak Gas Installation (PGI). With our partner EBN, a company with the Dutch State as its sole shareholder, we are also developing the Bergermeer Gas Storage facility. This will make a major contribution to the security of gas supply to Northwest Europe, and provide a strong base for the Northwest European gas hub.
Established in 2005, TAQA’s entrepreneurial culture has laid the foundations for long-term sustainable growth building on its commitment to people, safety and the environment.

For more information:
www.taqaglobal.com / www.bergermeergasstorage.com

About Eneco Gasspeicher B.V.

Energy company Eneco (www.eneco.nl) produces, trades and supplies energy (electricity, gas and heating & cooling) and implements sustainable energy solutions. Eneco’s ambition is to achieve “sustainable energy for everyone”. In cooperation with partners, Eneco invests in sustainable energy sources such as wind, hydro and solar energy, biomass, heating & cooling and decentralised, local generation of energy. Eneco is active in the North West European market with operations in Belgium, France, Germany and the United Kingdom. Eneco is mission partner of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) and the world’s first energy company to participate in the international Climate Saver programme. In total, Eneco serves approximately two million business and domestic customers with energy for daily life and work. The company has approximately 3,700 employees. The head office is located in Rotterdam.

About Gasunie Zuidwending B.V.
Gasunie Zuidwending B.V. is the owner and operator of the underground storage facility at Zuidwending. The company is a 100% owned subsidiary of Gasunie and it provides services to third parties, to enable them to respond quickly and flexibly to temporary differences between supply and demand for natural gas. Gasunie is responsible for the management and maintenance of the installation.