Underground Gas Storage – A Critical Pillar for Energy Security

Today, 27 October 2025, 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 cubic metres (bcm), up by 10 bcm compared to 2022.

The top five countries - in terms of their available Gas storage capacity - are USA, Russia, Ukraine, Canada and Germany. Of note is the fact that China added 6 bcm to its storage capacity, now ranking 6th globally.

In developed markets, UGS appears to be stagnating or experiencing only modest growth. These trends reflect differences in regulatory frameworks, market structures, geological possibilities and the integration of new Gas developments, underscoring the ongoing need to adapt UGS strategies to evolving energy markets (national, regional and international).

Mr Menelaos (Mel) Ydreos, the Secretary General of the IGU, said:

"Underground Gas Storage 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."

For more information on the Underground Gas Storage - A Critical Pillar for Energy Security, please contact Mr Mark McCrory, IGU Strategy and Advocacy Director, at [email protected]