Global Natural Gas Storage Market - 2024-2031

Overview

Global Natural Gas Storage Market reached US$ 308.87 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 401.25 billion by 2031, growing with a CAGR of 3.4% during the forecast period 2024-2031.

Natural gas storage refers to facilities where natural gas is stored, typically in large underground reservoirs, to manage supply and demand fluctuations. The natural gas storage market plays a critical role in the energy sector, providing a buffer between supply and demand fluctuations. This market is driven by the need to ensure reliable energy supplies, particularly during seasonal demand spikes and supply disruptions.

The demand for natural gas is on the rise due to its use in residential heating and cooking, commercial applications and industrial processes. According to US Energy Information Administration, in 2022, the electric power sector accounted for about 38% of total US natural gas consumption and natural gas was the source of about 33% of US electric power sector's primary energy consumption.

The Europe natural gas storage market has gained prominence due to increased efforts to ensure energy security amid geopolitical tensions. In June 2022, the EU adopted a regulation requiring member states to fill underground gas storage facilities to at least 80% capacity before the winter of 2022/2023 and to 90% before subsequent winters. This regulation was quickly implemented, achieving a 90% fill level by October 2022. Throughout 2023, storage levels remained well above previous years' averages and by the start of the 2023/2024 cold season, gas tanks were nearly full across all EU countries with storage facilities.

Dynamics

Increasing Global Steel and Aluminum Production

The growth in global steel and aluminum production is driving the demand for natural gas storage, as these industries rely heavily on raw materials extracted through mining. According to the World Steel Association, in 2023, world crude steel production for 71 reporting countries reached 135.7 million tons, reflecting strong demand for iron ore and related mining activities.

Similarly, the International Aluminum Institute reported that aluminum production reached 70.59 million metric tons by the end of 2023, marking a 2.25% increase from 2022. This surge in production highlights the need for continuous mining operations, which in turn boosts the demand for specialized chemicals used in mineral extraction, processing and beneficiation.

Technological Advancements in Natural Gas Storage

The need for natural gas storage is projected to increase due to the development of advanced methods that allow for more effective processing and higher recovery rates of valuable minerals, as well as a decrease in waste and an improvement in sustainability in mining activities.

For instance, in Australia, the development of a US$ 7 million specialized drill core lab by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO), which is advancing innovation in the natural gas storage sector through enabling enhanced exploration and extraction methods.

Lengthy Permit Processes and Environmental Concerns

The natural gas storage market is significantly hindered by prolonged permit procedures and regulatory obstacles. In places such as US, acquiring mining permits can require a lengthy process of seven to ten years, leading to delays that impede project completion within desired timelines. The prolonged timeline creates ambiguity for investments and hinders the growth of mining operations, which in turn affects the need for natural gas storage.

Furthermore, environmental issues have resulted in permits being revoked and projects being called off in various areas. In Serbia, Rio Tinto's authorization to operate a lithium mine was withdrawn due to extensive demonstrations against environmental hazards. These actions not only postpone present projects but also hinder future investments in mining, further limiting market expansion for natural gas storage.

Segment Analysis

The global natural gas storage market is segmented based on storage type, storage capacity, end-user and region.

Growing Demand for Flocculants to Minimize Ecological Footprint

The mining industry's increasing focus on sustainability and environmental responsibility is driving the demand for flocculants. As more minerals are extracted, the industry faces significant challenges in managing the resulting wastewater and tailings. The rising use of water in mining operations exacerbates the production of waste streams, necessitating effective solutions for solid-liquid separation. Flocculants play a crucial role in this process by binding and settling particles, enabling more efficient dewatering of waste streams. It not only reduces the environmental impact but also enhances the overall efficiency of mining operations.

As regulatory pressures mount and the industry seeks to minimize its ecological footprint, the adoption of flocculants is expected to grow. The chemicals are essential for meeting stringent environmental standards by improving waste management practices and reducing water usage in mining activities. With the global push towards sustainable mining practices, the demand for flocculants is likely to see continued growth, making them a vital component in the broader natural gas storage market.

Geographical Penetration

Technological Advancements and Infrastructure Investments in North America

The North American natural gas storage market is poised for significant growth, driven by rising demand, a shift toward cleaner energy sources and advancements in storage technology. In 2022, California's working natural gas inventories reached 100.6 billion cubic feet (Bcf), reflecting a 4% increase from the previous year.

Despite a notable 40% drop in PG&E's storage due to a 2021 reclassification, SoCalGas countered this decline with a 17% increase in inventories, attributed to regulatory capacity expansions at Aliso Canyon. California's 14 storage facilities account for 88% of the region's capacity, highlighting the state's central role in the regional market. The diverse regional dynamics and regulatory frameworks further influence the operational landscape of the market.

The region's well-developed storage facilities, coupled with increasing demand for natural gas and a transition to cleaner energy sources, contribute to its dominant position. US, in particular, benefits from its robust network of storage sites and strategic policies aimed at enhancing energy security and supporting market stability. The comprehensive infrastructure and favorable regulatory environment make North America a key player in the global natural gas storage sector.

Competitive Landscape

The major global players in the market include CNPC, Enbridge Inc., ENGIE Group, Gassco, Kinder Morgan, MAN Naftogaz Group, Shell, Snam SPA, TransCanada and PipeLines Limited.

Sustainability Analysis

The natural gas storage market worldwide is gradually moving towards sustainability goals as it adjusts to new technologies, environmental issues and regulatory demands. The incorporation of cutting-edge technologies like AI and data analytics is crucial during this shift. These technologies help predict demand accurately and make better use of storage space, leading to less overproduction and transportation and a smaller carbon footprint overall. Regulations and standards from the industry play a vital role in advancing sustainability.

In Ireland, natural gas can be stored offshore in exhausted fields or as liquefied natural gas (LNG) either floating or onshore, as seen in the case of Ireland. Yet, the current storage is restricted to the natural gas network and the Corrib gas field. The Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC) is reviewing Ireland's energy systems to evaluate the need for additional natural gas storage and the associated policy implications. This review underscores the importance of balancing energy security with sustainability considerations, ensuring that any new storage solutions are environmentally and eco-friendly.

Russia-Ukraine War Impact

The invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces has significantly disrupted the global natural gas storage market, leading to sharp increases in gas prices across Europe and worldwide. This geo-political conflict has sparked worries about a possible decrease or halt in the supply of gas from Russia to Europe. The invasion has worsened the strain on gas storage levels, which were already under pressure due to low injection rates in the summer of 2021, as reported by the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies (OIES). Even though storage levels are at record lows, they could have been even lower if the winter had been colder.

The consequences of this conflict are especially harsh in cases where the delivery of Russian gas through important pathways such as the Nord Stream, the Yamal-Europe pipeline and Ukrainian routes is stopped from April 1, 2022, to March 31, 2023. Europe's capacity to replenish its storage is greatly hindered in this scenario. Although Europe potentially made it through the summer by using up the last of its storage reserves, this resulted in a decrease in demand during the winter.

According to OIES, if appropriate actions are not taken to lessen the impact, about 40% of the winter energy demand in Central and Western Europe may face threats. This underscores the urgent requirement for a variety of energy sources and strategic reserves to boost energy security amid uncertain geopolitics.

By Storage Type

• Underground Storage
• Above-Ground Storage

By Storage Capacity

• Small-Scale Storage (Up to 10 Bcf)
• Medium-Scale Storage (10 to 30 Bcf)
• Large-Scale Storage (More than 30 Bcf)

By End-User

• Residential
• Commercial
• Industrial

Region

• North America
  • US
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • Germany
  • UK
  • France
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Rest of Europe
• South America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of South America
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • India
  • Japan
  • Australia
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East and Africa

Key Developments

• In March 2024, Enbridge has entered a definitive agreement with WhiteWater/I Squared Capital and MPLX LP to form a joint venture focused on developing and operating natural gas pipeline and storage assets that connect Permian Basin supply to LNG and US Gulf Coast demand. The joint venture will be owned 50.6% by WhiteWater/I Squared, 30.4% by MPLX and 19% by Enbridge. It includes a 50% stake in Waha Gas Storage, a ~2.0 Bcf gas storage facility with additional injection and withdrawal capabilities.
• In September 20223, ENGIE acquired Ixora Energy Ltd, a leading UK biomethane producer with three new production units totaling 160 GWh per year. This acquisition enhances ENGIE's position in the biomethane market as it aims to commercialize 30 TWh of biomethane and 30 TWh of renewable hydrogen annually by 2030. ENGIE is committed to achieving a 100% renewable gas mix by 2050, with a milestone target of producing 10 TWh of biomethane in Europe and establishing a 4 GW hydrogen production capacity via electrolysis by 2030.
• The Kaliningradskoye Underground Gas Storage (UGS) facility, situated in Russia's westernmost Kaliningrad region, has been operational since 2013 and is owned by Gazprom, the state-owned gas company. As Russia's first UGS facility, it currently has a storage capacity of 174 million cubic meters (Mcm). Gazprom plans to significantly expand this capacity to 800 Mcm by 2025. The facility is connected to the Minsk - Vilnius-Kaunas-Kaliningrad pipeline via a 26km branch pipeline.

Why Purchase the Report?

• To visualize the global natural gas storage market segmentation based on storage type, storage capacity, end-user and region.
• Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
• Excel spreadsheet containing a comprehensive dataset of the natural gas storage market, covering all levels of segmentation.
• PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
• Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.

The global natural gas storage market report would provide approximately 62 tables, 51 figures and 206 pages.

Target Audience 2024

• Manufacturers/ Buyers
• Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
• Research Professionals
• Emerging Companies