University of Groningen investigates opinions on gas extraction
The University of Groningen is going to conduct independent research on the opinions of inhabitants of the province of Groningen regarding gas extraction from the Groningen gas field. The research, commissioned by NAM (the Nederlandse Aardolie Maatschappij), will be directed by Prof. Linda Steg of the Department of Psychology of the University. The anonymized results of the research will be shared with NAM.
NAM has asked the University to conduct research to provide more insight into what those around NAM expect from gas extraction. The research will also reveal how the residents assess the benefits and risks of gas extraction.

The research will also serve a scholarly aim. It will examine what people consider important when they think about energy facilities such as gas extraction, and what role this plays in their judgement of these energy facilities. ‘It is important to understand how opinions about energy facilities are formed and which factors influence them. It shows how the interests and cares of people can best be addressed’, says Linda Steg.
Starting in November
The research will kick off on Monday 4 November and run for a year. University of Groningen staff will approach people resident in several municipalities at home and ask them if they are willing to participate in the research. Participation comprises filling in a questionnaire about their opinion on gas extraction and its consequences.
The University will ask participants to fill in a questionnaire at three different points in time so that opinions can be tracked over time and the reason why opinions change can be investigated. In return, participants will be given a voucher that they can exchange at a local bakery. Residents are completely free to refuse to participate or to withdraw at any time if they want.
Data and results
All data of participants in the research will be processed confidentially and anonymously. The University will use the data for scholarly purposes. NAM will receive anonymized data from the research. Participants in the research will be kept informed of the progress via www.onderzoekgaswinning.nl .Last modified: | 30 October 2023 11.43 a.m. |
More news
-
27 January 2025
Gaswinningsproblematiek leidt tot onzekerheid en stress bij ondernemers in Groningen
De ondernemers in het gaswinningsgebied waren lange tijd een ‘vergeten groep’ en hebben te maken met allerlei negatieve gevolgen. Het Kennisplatform Leefbaar en Kansrijk Groningen bracht in kaart hoe de aanpak voor het midden- en kleinbedrijf er op...
-
23 January 2025
Two UG researchers join The Young Academy
Prof. Björn Hoops and Dr Esther Metting are joining The Young Academy (De Jonge Akademie, DJA) of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (Koningklijke Nederlandse Akademie van Wetenschappen, KNAW). Every year, the DJA selects 10 talented...
-
22 January 2025
UG submits three research projects for Klokhuis Science Prize
This year, the UG Pre-University Academy has submitted three studies for the Klokhuis Science Prize. This prize honours interesting and relevant academic research for children aged 9 to 12 years.