How does gas storage work?

How does gas storage work?

Gas storage involves holding natural gas or other types of gas in storage facilities for future use. These facilities can be underground, above ground, or integrated into pipelines.

Types of Gas Storage:

1. Underground Storage:
   • Depleted Gas Reservoirs: These are old gas fields that are no longer productive but can store gas.
   • Aquifers: These are water-bearing formations that can be converted to hold gas.
   • Salt Caverns: Created by dissolving salt formations, these caverns can hold large amounts of gas.
2. Above-Ground Storage:
   • Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Tanks: These tanks hold gas in its liquid state at very low temperatures.
   • Gas Holders: Large tanks that can expand and contract to hold varying amounts of gas.

Uses and Benefits:

• Balancing Supply and Demand: Gas storage helps to manage fluctuations in gas supply and demand, especially during peak usage times like winter.
• Energy Security: Ensures a steady supply of gas even during disruptions, like natural disasters or geopolitical issues.
• Supporting the Electricity Network: When renewable power production is low natural gas can be quickly supplied from onshore storage to generate electricity.
• Economic Benefits: Gas can be stored when prices are low and used or sold when prices are higher.

Processes:

1. Injection: Gas is injected into storage during periods of low demand.
2. Storage: The gas is kept in the storage facility.
3. Withdrawal: Gas is withdrawn from storage during periods of high demand.

Today’s natural gas storage facilities serve as a buffer to meet increased demand for gas from the market delivering gas to support home heating, power generation and industrial demand. During lower demand periods, storage facilities are replenished.