The Janus Face of Natural Gas Resources in the Netherlands

This chapter argues that the exploitation of the natural gas field in Groningen has both positive and negative effects on the Dutch economy. These effects are hard to balance due to their incommensurable nature. The chapter reflects on the role of gas in the Dutch economy, discusses the economic implications of the exploitation of natural gas as well as the externalities, and reflects on the economic impact of phasing out the exploitation of the Groningen field.