Theodor Kockelkoren, Inspector General at State Supervision of Mines (SodM) delivered the opening speech of ‘methane emissions in the North Sea’ symposium. Symposium took place on 13 and 14 November 2025 in the Railway Museum in Utrecht.

Theodor Kockelkoren (Inspector General of State Supervision of Mines, SodM) delivered the opening speech of a two day symposium which is part of a joint research project by SodM, TNO and Nioz into methane emissions in the North Sea. This project, which has been running since 2020, has provided insights into the possible causes and extent of methane leaks. It has also looked at ways in which precautionary and follow-up measures can be organised. The ultimate aim of the research project is to contribute to minimize methane emissions from abandoned wells to secure a sustainable future for the North Sea.