Gas storage and energy 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 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?

Gas storage, in particular Underground Gas Storage (UGS), is instrumental to the security of supply as it provides an additional reserve in case of strong demand or supply disruptions. Typically, storage provides 25-30% of gas consumed in the EU during winter; it reduces the need to import additional gas and contributes to absorbing supply shocks.

Why is gas storage important?

Gas storage provides a strategic reserve in case of disruptions that can arise from geopolitical events. However, Britain’s nine storage sites, when full, can only supply the country with a week’s worth of gas during the winter.

Why is shared gas storage important in the EU?

Ensuring shared gas storage capacities in the EU is crucial to guarantee security of energy supply. Gas storage, in particular Underground Gas Storage (UGS), is instrumental to the security of supply as it provides an additional reserve in case of strong demand or supply disruptions.

What is underground natural gas storage?

1. Introduction At the beginning of the 20th century, American and European countries started implementing underground natural gas storage (UGS) in accordance with user market demands and long-distance pipelines, with the objective of ensuring a safe, cost-effective, and efficient gas supply.