UNDERGROUND STORAGE OF NATURAL GAS
Transported in gaseous form to the storage well, the natural gas is compressed and then moved underground in metal pipes
It can be stored in deep underground acquifers, a permeable layer of rock impregnated with water which extends for several kilometres.
The gas is injected under high pressure. Water is pushed into the rock spaces creating room for the gas. The impermeable rock above the aquifer provides a waterproof cover.
Gas can also be stored in saline cavities: these are cavities are created by injecting fresh water into a layer of rock salt.
The water dissolves part of the salt which is then extracted in the form of brine.
Space is thus created for the injected gas. These cavities are impermeable and non-porous, so the gas can’t escape.
A third storage method involves compressing the gas in depleted reservoir, where the oil and natural gas has been removed.
And finally, natural gas is also now starting to be stored in specially excavated cavities at a shallow depth and encased in steel.
In winter, when gas consumption peaks, gas begins to be drawn from storage facilities.
In the case of storage in an aquifer or used well, this stage must be done continuously which allows little flexibility.
The gas is treated: by removing water and any traces of hydrogen sulphide which have appeared during its time in underground storage.
In the case of storage in saline cavities, only water needs to be removed from the gas.
The gas is then odorized, for safety reasons, and reinjected in the pipeline network.
EMMANUELLE BAILLON, FRED GARET, SYLVIE HUSSON / AUDIO NETWORK / AFP VIDEOGRAPHICS / AFP
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