Gas storage


Storing gas makes it possible to diversify sources of supply and modulate flows to consumption. GDF SUEZ has 10 billion cubic meters of gas storage capacity in Europe which represents the second largest European capacity.

 

 

 

Natural gas storage, a strategic issue

 

The storage of natural gas is a strategic issue, as it ensures the safety of markets and supplies. In compliance with European legislation on energy markets, all of the Group’s storage capacity is available to all market suppliers.

 

Since 2008, GDF SUEZ’s underground storage activities have been handled by Storengy, the Group’s wholly owned subsidiary. In Europe, GDF SUEZ owns the second largest storage capacity in France, with 13 underground storage sites in France and an additional storage in the United Kingdom and Germany.


The Group is also engaged in storage activities through partnerships or investments in Romania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic.

 

How is natural gas stored?  

Natural gas is stored after it is compressed:

 

  • either in porous rock formations that are naturally water filled, in which case, it is referred to as “aquifer reservoir” storage,
  • in caverns leached out of the salt layers, which is called “salt formation” storage,
  • or in depleted gas formations, where gas is no longer being extracted.


These underground reservoirs are filled in the summer when gas consumption is lower for use in high consumption periods in winter.

 

 

Sustained increase in storage capacity between 2008 and 2015

 

Recognized for its skills and expertise in the storage area, the Group is currently developing major projects, especially in Germany (salt formation and depleted reservoirs) and in the United Kingdom (where storage capacity of 400 millions cubic meters is scheduled to be operational in 2013).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IN PICTURES

 

 

 

IN PICTURES

VIRTUAL VISITS
Gournay-sur-Aronde underground natural gas storage facility
 

 

This aquifer storage facility is located at the junction of the major transmission pipelines linking the gas fields of northern Europe to the Parisian region.
It is one of 12 sites owned in France by Storengy, a GDF SUEZ subsidiary.

 

 

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