Dutch MPs have given the go-ahead for a trial in which CO2 will be stored in empty gas fields beneath Barendrecht near Rotterdam in the province of South Holland.

Many local residents and politicians have come out against the trial which will be operated by Shell. They are worried about environmental issues and complain that house prices will drop as a result of the experiment.

MPs have insisted on safeguards including the setting up of a compensation fund for residents. Economic Affairs Minister Maria van der Hoeven welcomed parliament's decision which she described as being important for the whole country.

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