The role of gas storage

What does the energy security plan say about gas storage?

This update to the Energy Security Plan (published March 2023) sets out the possible future role of gas storage and other forms of supply-side flexibility sources – liquefied natural gas and interconnectors – in gas security.

What role does storage play in energy systems?

Storage plays a crucial role in energy systems by providing both upward and downward flexibility. It can store energy either when there is generation surplus or lower demand and discharge in the opposite case. Depending on the time scale (miliseconds up to months), there are different roles that storage can play in energy systems.

What is strategic gas storage?

Strategic gas storage which is a reserve of gas that is held back from normal (market) use by governments to use, such as for security of supply or to cope with unexpected events. Strategic reserves can support increased energy independence and a stronger guarantee on energy security, as they provide the possibility of rapid emergency response.

Why is underground gas storage important?

Secondly, underground gas storage plays an important role in balancing the pressure and gas transmission capacity of the gas pipeline network and by adjusting the regional balanced gas supply . Thus, the maintenance cost of a natural gas pipeline network with underground gas storage is 15% lower than one without underground gas storage.

What is the global gas storage requirement?

The global requirement for natural gas storage represents only 2% of the global annual natural gas production or 10% of the gas storage facilities (in energy equivalent).

What if all natural gas storage facilities were used for hydrogen?

If all natural gas storage facilities were used for hydrogen, the energy storage capacity would be approximately 1200 TWh instead of the 4100 TWh equivalent of natural gas.