English information
NAM (Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij) is an exploration and production company with authentic Dutch roots. Its headquarters are in Assen in the Netherlands. NAM’s core business is exploring for and producing oil and gas, both onshore and offshore in the Netherlands.
NAM is responsible for unlocking two of the Netherlands’ most important resources: gas and oil. NAM supplies 25% of the natural gas required by Dutch households and businesses. A majority of all Dutch households use natural gas. Natural gas accounts for 42% of all the energy that is used in the Netherlands.
NAM, competent and Dutch grown
NAM explores for and produces gas and oil on Dutch territory using the latest insights and technologies shares its knowledge with the outside world.
NAM, Source of our energy
As natural gas is an essential part of the energy mix and the energy transition at the same time, the Netherlands needs oil and gas, now and in the future. As largest gas producer in the Netherlands, NAM will play an important role in the energy transition.
NAM, ambient aware and participating in society A good neighbour
We recognise that our operations can cause disruption. In consultation with local residents, we endeavour to prevent this as much as possible and to let local parties benefit from NAM’s presence.
Gas production
The Groningen gas field was discovered in 1959, and NAM has been producing Groningen natural gas since 1963. The Groningen field is one of the world’s largest gas fields (2,800 billion m³) and a significant volume of gas is still present in the field today. All domestic appliances are configured for this type of gas. The Dutch government announced the closure of the Groningen field in 2023 or 2024.
Earthquakes
Gas production from the Groningen gas field causes earthquakes which affect the daily lives of communities living in the area. On August 16, 2012, an earthquake with a magnitude of 3.6 on the Richter scale occurred near Huizinge. This earthquake was felt more strongly by residents than previous seismic activity.
Production plan and programme of investigation
The Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs grants gas production permit based on the production plan. The production plan describes how NAM must produce gas in a safe and responsible manner.
Following the Huizinge earthquake on August 16, 2012, NAM submits on a yearly basis anamended production plan for the Groningen field in response to the Minister’s request. NAM also initiated an extensive programme of investigation in 2012. In the 2018 the Dutch cabinet announced the closure of the Groningen gas field.
