The Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection allows the LNG installation in Eemshaven to continue operating with natural radioactivity
The Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection is going to allow EemsEnergy Terminal B.V. (EET) and Bakker Repair B.V. to keep the LNG installation in Eemshaven operating even though they do not yet have the necessary licences. EET has found concentrations of naturally occurring radioactive materials in the installation and they reported the fact to us. These materials can occur in the gas and remain as deposition on components of the installation. EET and Bakker Repair have no licence yet to take action with regard to using the installation, including replacing or repairing components on which there is radioactive deposition.
EET supplies gas in the Netherlands and Europe
EET will not comply with laws and regulations if it continues to use the installation without a licence. The construction of the EemsEnergy Terminal was fast-tracked in 2022 to reduce the dependence on Russian gas. The EET installation satisfies some of the demand for gas supplies in the Netherlands and Europe. The demand for gas will rise in the coming winter months. Given the importance of this, EET has asked the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection to allow it to continue using the installation temporarily without a licence. They have made that request also for the purpose of repairs and maintenance by Bakker Repair, which carries out repairs at EET’s request.
Natural radioactivity in LNG
Radioactive materials occur naturally deep underground. Radioactive materials have existed since the Earth was formed and can rise to the surface when we extract raw materials like natural gas. The materials accumulate during the liquefied natural gas (LNG) production process and precipitate in places such as the EET installation. The concentration of radioactive materials is often so low that it is safe for people and their surroundings. EET currently has no permission to handle natural radioactive materials. Such permission is needed as soon as the radioactive materials exceed the legal limits.
Tiding over until the licence is granted
Normally an installation in which natural radioactivity has been found is not allowed to be used. Additionally, nothing may be done with components on which there is radioactive deposition. This applies until the Authority has issued a licence to EET and Bakker Repair. That licence states what measures they have to take to guarantee the safety of workers and the surroundings of the installation. The appropriate licence applications are being prepared.
Safety first
We can tolerate a situation that does not comply with laws and regulations in cases such as those that are in the public interest. Needless to say, we do so only if safety requirements can be met. In that regard we look at the safety of people and the environment. No discharge of radioactivity into the surrounding area is made from the installation. And radiation from contaminated components in the installation is not detectable at the site boundary.
Moreover, EET and Bakker Repair have shown that they are taking adequate measures to ensure that work is carried out safely. They are, for instance, working with a company that specialises in radiation protection. Radiation protection procedures and instructions are in place as well, under the supervision of a radiation protection expert.
Further information
We have sent EET a letter about the temporary exemption decision (in Dutch). It also contains the conditions that apply until a licence has been granted.
More information on our policy of tolerance can be found in our Regulation and Intervention Strategy (in Dutch). More information about natural radioactivity in oil and gas extraction can also be found on our website (in Dutch).