10. Groningen (The Netherlands) - 2,100 km3
Photo Pierre Crom / Flickr
The Slochteren natural gas field is the largest gas field in Europe. The field was discovered in 1959 and soon almost all of the Netherlands was connected to the Groningen gas. The revenues contributed to the construction of the post-war Dutch welfare state. Until 2013, 2,057 billion m³ of natural gas was extracted from the field, or 95% of the total. Gas extraction in Groningen caused earthquakes starting in 1986 that led to damage to homes. It was decided in 2014 to phase out gas extraction. Between 2025 and 2028, the Groningen field must be closed.
9. Zapolyarnoye (Russia) 2,700 km3
Government.ru/wikipedia/CC BY 3.0
The Zapolyarnoye gas field is located in sparsely populated Jamalia in northern Russia. The field was discovered in 1965 and is being developed by Gazprom. Production of natural gas, oil and natural gas condensate began in 2001. Meanwhile, 40% of the total supply has been extracted from the ground.
8. Rusanovskoye (Russia) - 2,800 km3
Near Zapolyarnoye is the Rusanovskoye gas field with a similar amount of gas in the ground. It was discovered in 1980 and has not been developed until now.
7. Galkynysh (Turkmenistan) - 2,800 km3
Turkmenistan consists largely of desert. The capital Ashgabat is a strange sight in this, a hypermodern city with apartment buildings made of marble and gold everywhere. Turkmenistan is also rich because of its natural gas industry. The largest natural gas field in the country is Galknysh. The 16th largest gas field in the world is "Dauletabad" gas field with a reserve of 1,400 km3.
6. Shtokman (Russia) - 3,100 km3
Back to Russia, where most of the world's major gas fields are found. The Shtokman field is found in the northwestern part of the Barents Sea. The field was discovered in 1988. Until now, despite many plans, it has not been developed. Partly due to the extreme conditions of the arctic and the great depth here of the sea. Scientists also predict difficulties due to climate warming. The many melting icebergs that end up in the sea will make conditions even more difficult.
5. Hassi R'Mel (Algeria) - 3,500 km3
Algeria also has a number of large gas fields. Hassi R'Mel was discovered in 1956 and production started in 1961. At first mainly for the interior and soon much was exported as well. Via the Trans-Mediterranean pipeline, most of the gas goes through Tunisia to Italy and Spain.
4. Bovanenkovo (Russia) - 4,000 km3
Bovantenkovo is a natural gas field located in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug. It was discovered in 1972 and since 2012 Gazprom has been extracting gas from the ground here. In total, about 20% of the total amount of gas has now been extracted from the ground.
3. Yamburg (Russia) - 3,900 km3
Northfoto / Shutterstock.com
The Yamburg gas field is located just north of the Arctic Circle. The field was discovered in 1969, developed in 1986 and the first oil came out of the ground in 1980. Again, this field is managed by Gazprom. 80% of the field has since been depleted.
2. Urengoy (Russia) - 6,300 km3
Grigorii Pisotsckii / Shutterstock.com
The largest gas field in Russia is Urengoy. This gas field is located in the northern west siberia basin just south of the Arctic Circle. The field was discovered in 1966 and natural gas extraction began in 1978. Much is exported to Western Europe from this field.
1. South Pars/North Dome (Iran) - 35.000 km3
Alireza824/CC BY-SA 3.0/wikipedia
The very largest gas field in the world, larger than the other 9 gas fields in this list combined, is in Iran and Qatar. With an estimated 35,000 km3 of natural gas, it is not surprising why Qatar and Iran are getting rich from selling gas. Only 10% of the field is depleted. The field was discovered in 1971 and production started in 1989.