Unconventional Gas in the Benelux: Cautious Attitudes and Regional Interplay

The three countries of the Benelux are often overlooked in Europe’s current unconventional gas debate. But the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg all possess considerable shale gas resources, and major energy companies have already taken an interest. So far no serious drilling has taken place. This article puts the discoveries and recent action in the perspective of regional breakdown of public policy and government authority. Analyzing business prospects, economic policy and regulatory action of the different governments in the Benelux, the article yields insight into the relevant power structure inside the policy domain. The influence of different members of the Benelux on the other members is discussed. All three countries have adopted a rather cautious attitude towards the exploration and production of unconventional gas

Een matematisch model van de grondwaterstromingen in het kwartaire reservoir ten oosten van De Haan

A mathematical model has been developed to simulate groundwater flow in the Quaternary aquifer system east of De Haan (Belgium). The estimated lateral variations of the hydraulic parameters have repeatedly been adjusted by comparing the calculated hydraulic-head configuration to the observed one. After this calibration of the model was achieved, the influence of groundwater extraction has been examined. Even at pumping rates as low as 250.000 m³/year, artificial replenishment of the aquifer system will be necessary in order to avoid flow of salt water towards the wells