The International Gas Union (IGU) has released its Underground Gas Storage – A Critical Pillar for Energy Security Report, using data from the IGU’s unique members’ database and highlighting the fundamental role of gas storage as a strategic pillar of the future energy system.
Underground Gas Storage (UGS) plays a pivotal role in addressing the challenges associated with meeting peak gas demand and responding to periods of renewable energy intermittence. By enabling the storage of large Gas volumes, UGS helps energy markets navigate seasonal shifts, absorb short-term shocks, and ensure reliable, timely delivery to consumers. It balances supply and demand, stabilises transmission networks, enhances energy security, supports efficient market operations, and optimises production flows—making it a critical enabler of integrated and resilient energy systems.
As of 2025, there are 699 underground gas storage facilities in operation worldwide, with a total working Gas volume of 424 billion m3, up by 10 billion m3 compared to 2022.
The top five countries – in terms of their available Gas storage capacity – are the US, Russia, Ukraine, Canada, and Germany. Of note is the fact that China added 6 billion m3 to its storage capacity, now ranking 6th globally.
Mr Menelaos (Mel) Ydreos, the Secretary General of the IGU, said: “UGS is a strategic asset, as its value spans energy reliability, affordability, security and sustainability. We need a whole-system approach to ensure a resilient, decarbonised energy future and, to this end, policy frameworks must evolve to reflect the critical systemic role of UGS.”