oa Underground Gas Storage in the European Gas Infrastructure

The underground storage of compressed natural gas (CNG) is an efficient proven common technology in use since 1915. Underground gas storage (UGS) became an essential indispensable link in the gas supply chain for adjusting gas supply to meet short-term and seasonal changes in gas demand. Natural gas produced from oil and gas fields is increasingly being used to supply energy requirements. The mainly inflexible gas production from these fields does not match with the variable market demand. Natural gas is injected into subsurface storage reservoirs when market demand falls below the level of gas delivery or if there is an economic incentive for injection. Gas is withdrawn from storage facilities to supplement the steady supply if demand exceeds that supply or withdrawal is economically attractive. UGS are designed for long operational lifetime. The construction requires long lead times and is highly capital intensive.