地下储气库：能源安全的关键支柱

GAS STORAGEA CRITICAL PILLAR FOR ENERGY SECURITY TABLE OF CONTENTS ABBREVIATIONS3. FOREWORD4. KEY HIGHLIGHTS5. 1. INTRODUCTION1.1 STATE OF PLAY OF UGS WORLDWIDE1.2. UNDERGROUND GAS STORAGE IN THE WORLD1.3. WGV AND PWR (POTENTIAL WITHDRAWAL RATE) AS PER STORAGE TYPE1.4. WGV IN OPERATION BY NATION7.8.8.9.10. 2. ASSESSING THE TRUE VALUE OF GAS STORAGE2.1. SOURCE OF ENERGY SYSTEM RESILIENCE2.2. THE SIZING OF STORAGE CAPACITIES2.3. UNDERGROUND STORAGE AS A NOTABLE ADVANTAGE IN TACKLING ENERGY SYSTEM PRESSURES11.11.11.12. 3. SECURITY OF ENERGY SUPPLY AND GAS STORAGE13. 4. THE NEED FOR A “WHOLE-SYSTEM” APPROACH4.1 SAFEGUARDING AGAINST ENERGY RISKS4.2. TARGETED INTERVENTION15.15.15. REFERENCESFIGURESACKNOWLEDGEMENTS16.16.17. ABBREVIATIONS AGABCMCAPEXCISEIAEUIGULNGMCMOPEXPWRUHSUGSWGVAMERICAN GAS ASSOCIATIONBILLION CUBIC METRESCAPITAL EXPENDITURETHE COMMONWEALTH OF INDEPENDENT STATESENERGY INFORMATION ADMINISTRATIONEUROPEAN UNIONINTERNATIONAL GAS UNIONLIQUIFIED NATURAL GASMILLION CUBIC METRESOPERATIONAL EXPENDITUREPOTENTIAL WITHDRAWAL RATEUNDERGROUND HYDROGEN STORAGEUNDERGROUND GAS STORAGEWORKING GAS VOLUMES FOREWORD The global energy market is undergoing a challenging transition — one thatis not just technological or regulatory, but systemic. This shift signifies a trueparadigm change, characterised by the emergence of new interactions andinterdependencies across value chains, sectors, and regions. These changingdynamics introduce both increased uncertainty and greater vulnerability tounforeseen shocks—whether geopolitical, environmental, or economic. A system that relies solely on the development of short-term renewable energies would neglectthe fact that significant challenges remain unresolved, particularly the need for a renewableendowment requiring extensive storage capabilities over time and space, supported by theexpansion of the transmission network that could link increasingly diverse regions and energysystems in the future. This requires forward-looking investment not only in clean production, but also in the expansionand interconnection of transmission networks, supported by robust storage capacities, allowingregional energy systems to gradually merge and streghten one another. In this context, and considering the capital-intensive nature of network industries, it is essentialto establish a policy and regulatory framework that fosters long-term visibility and confidence forinvestors. This includes recognising the role of Gas storage infrastructures as fundamentalassets, vital not only for ensuring system resilience but also for promotingeffective competition and achieving national and global sustainability objectives. Underground Gas storage must be recognised for its systemic importance — not just as a flexibilitytool but as a vital part of future energy frameworks. As the energy transition progresses, somevalues historically considered peripheral — such as flexibility, security, and insurance — need tobe reassessed from a new perspective. Just as the cost of carbon emissions is now treated as an externality to be internalised globally, sotoo must the “insurance value” of critical infrastructures like Gas storage be fully acknowledgedand integrated into energy systems design. KEY HIGHLIGHTS The total Working Gas Volume (WGV) amounts to 424 bcm, distributed across 699 storagefacilities worldwide, with a withdrawal rate of some 7,371 mcm/d. The vast majority of thesestorage facilities is developed in depleted natural gas fields. The storage capacity is spread across world regions as follows: Significant regional differences in the development of underground gas storage (UGS) largelyreflect the maturity of development of gas infrastructure, which is closely linked to the evolutionof gas demand. In developed markets, UGS appears to be stagnating or experiencing only modest growth. Thesetrends reflect differences in regulatory frameworks, market structures, geological possibilitiesand the integration of new gas developments, underscoring the ongoing need to adapt UGSstrategies to evolving energy markets (national, regional and international). NORTH AMERICA North America has seen a slight increase in storage capacity, though new project developmentremains limited. The storage market is fragmented, with most capacities coming from small-scale porous reservoirs. At this time, Gas storage is the cornerstone of Gas infrastructure for thesupply of gas during wintertime. EUROPE In Europe, storage capacity growth has slightly increased compared to the 2020-22 levels.Notably, Ukraine is now classified under the Europe region rather than CIS. While storage facilitiesremain actively used and fundamental for the energy system, conversion to production started ina few cases. Completions of extension projects of some storage facilities helped counterbalancecapacity loss at sites chosen for abandonment. Storages in Europe are currently at a crossroads,with their role in the energy transition stil