Natural gas is stored and then withdrawn for several reasons. Whether used to meet typical consumer demands or as a strategic reserve during a low-priced market or unexpected supply shortage, gas storage and withdrawal play an essential role in maintaining a stable natural gas market. Natural gas can be stored underground in depleted reservoirs, salt cavern formations, and repurposed underground mining caverns using a higher pressure for more significant gas quantities. A volume of base gas is needed to maintain adequate pressure in the formation and stays in the reservoir. Working gas is available for delivery to customers.
When the gas is needed, the withdrawal process is similar to a natural gas gathering application – natural gas is removed through the same well in which it was originally injected. Once withdrawn, the gas is compressed, cleaned, and sent through pipelines onto the consumer for power generation, heating homes and businesses, and other benefits.
