Natural gas energy storage

How does natural gas storage work?

Natural gas storage can be done in different ways, but underground reservoirs are the most important method. The storage deals with pipelines, local distribution companies, producers, and pipeline shippers (US Department of Energy, US Energy Information Agency, March 1995). Catarina R. Matos,

How is natural gas stored?

Natural gas may be stored in several different ways. In the modern world, natural gas is most commonly held in inventory underground under pressure in three main types of facilities. These underground facilities are (1) depleted reservoirs in oil and/or natural gas fields, (2) aquifers, and (3) salt cavern formations.

What percentage of natural gas is stored underground?

Approximately, 20% of all natural gas consumed during the 5-month winter heating season each year are supplied by underground storage. There are three principal types of underground storage sites used in the United States today: depleted natural gas or oil fields (80%), aquifers (10%), and salt formations (10%).

When was natural gas first stored underground?

The first instance of natural gas successfully being stored underground occurred in Ontario, Canada, in 1915. This storage facility used a depleted natural gas well that had been reconditioned into a storage field. In the United States, the first storage facility was developed just south of Buffalo, New York.

What are the different types of underground natural gas storage?

There are three main types of underground storage: 1. 2. 3. In addition to underground storage, however, natural gas can be stored as liquefied natural gas (LNG), which also allows natural gas to be shipped and stored in liquid form. Underground natural gas storage fields grew in popularity shortly after World War II.

Why is natural gas storage important?

Natural gas storages store surplus natural gas during the valley demand period and redistribute them at the peak demand period [92, 93]. The stored natural gas can also ensure the continuous gas supply when the long-distance transmission malfunctions [94, 95]. UGS plays a crucial role in the seasonal peak-shaving in some parts of China [96, 97].