Frisian authorities Appeal Against Akkrum Gas Extraction Permit

Alderman Marcel van Opzeeland says the following about this: 

"Additional land subsidence caused by gas extraction has long-term consequences for future generations in this beautiful peat meadow area. It also feels unfair: our local agriculture is required to reduce nitrogen emissions here, while the national government does allow gas extraction in this area, which actually leads to higher nitrogen emissions." 

Furthermore, additional gas extraction is not necessary at all. If the national government resolves the nitrogen issue, we will once again be able to grant permits for agricultural facilities that generate biogas. We therefore find it incomprehensible that this permit was granted. The revenues go to The Hague, but we bear the consequences locally. That is why we are joining forces with the province of Fryslân in this appeal, so that we can pool our resources."

Below is the press release issued by the Province of Friesland:

The Frisian authorities are appealing a mining permit granted by the Minister of Climate and Green Growth (KGG) for the Akkrum gas field. This appeal follows the State Secretary’s decision in July 2026 to declare the Frisian objection unfounded. 

The State Secretary wants to postpone the assessment of the risks and impacts of gas extraction until a later stage in the extraction plan process. Fryslân believes this is putting the cart before the horse and, moreover, thinks it goes against the government’s own policy (the Mining Act). 

Giving the green light to gas extraction in the peat meadow area is asking for trouble

If it were up to the State Secretary, Vermillion Energy B.V. would already have the green light to proceed with preparations for gas extraction without the risks and consequences having been adequately assessed. Article 9 of the Mining Act stipulates that an extraction permit may be denied if an area is unsuitable for the requested activity due to safety, damage, environmental, or nature conservation concerns. As far as Fryslân is concerned, this is the case in the peat meadow area. 

Provincial Executive Member Friso Douwstra: “As Frisian authorities, we have thoroughly substantiated during the advisory and objection phases that the Akkrum area is unsuitable. This is due to the presence of vulnerable peat meadow areas, autonomous land subsidence, the need to raise water levels, risks to water management, and significant drinking water interests. Gas extraction in peat meadow areas leads to a cascade of problems that are irreversible. Through this appeal, we are now asking the court to determine whether the State Secretary is conducting the procedures correctly and providing sufficient justification.” 

Frisian Mining Roundtable Opposes Onshore Gas Extraction

All Frisian local governments are represented in the Frisian Mining Roundtable and oppose onshore natural gas extraction. When necessary, these local governments utilize legal avenues—such as submitting written opinions, filing objections, and appealing decisions—to influence plans and decision-making that affect Frisian interests.

With regard to the proceedings concerning the extraction permit for the Akkrum gas field, the province of Fryslân (chair of the Frisian Mining Roundtable) is now filing an appeal, doing so in part on behalf of Wetterskip Fryslân and the municipalities of Fryske Marren, Smallingerland, Heerenveen, Súdwest-Fryslân, Ooststellingwerf, Opsterland, and Leeuwarden. The Akkrum gas field is located beneath all of these municipalities.