How do PDG-companies and institutions assess energy developments in Arctic regions?

  • The use for fossil fuels will be a necessity for many decades to come, according to many sources (among them the International Energy Agency). Oil and gas reserves in the Arctic territories are a significant addition to the world supply (US Geological Survey Circum-Arctic Resource Appraisal, May 2008), especially within the Russian Federation.
  • Climate change makes the Arctic more accessible, leading to more economic activity (logistics, mining and fishery). Countries with jurisdiction over these Arctic territories (i.e. the Russian Federation) want to develop their oil and gas reserves.
  • The care for the environment, habitat and indigenous population is set in the law and regulations of the countries involved, as well as in international treaties and conventions.
  • The companies and institutions associated with Project Delta Group offer their services for the development of the Arctic territories, keeping in mind the great environmental value the area has. The Project Delta Group members believe the exploration and production of oil and gas in the Arctic territories need to be bound by strict principles, like the OESO-guidelines for CSR at multinational firms.
  • The Dutch companies and institutions have expertise in their area that they are willing to share with their Russian partners to make exploration and development happen in a more innovative way.
  • These topics are part of the discussion with Russians partners, for example at the trade mission in Moscow of November 2013. At this event, the concept of Strategic Environmental Assessments (SEA) has been presented by the Netherlands at several private, public and political talks.