Use of Underground Gas Storage Facilities to Optimize the Logistics of Gazprom's Export Deliveries

This article focuses on the key role of underground gas storage (UGS) facilities (or UGSF) in the Russian gas export to Europe. The UGS system is overviewed from the point of view as the main tool for increasing the reliability and efficiency of gas supplies to consumers in European Union (EU). The dynamics are determined and the forecast of the gas storage capacities development of Gazprom Group in Russia and in European countries is made. The main UGS facilities used by Gazprom Group abroad are considered. An optimal solution for gas storage capacities with the active use of natural gas in the energy balance of countries are shown. The article analyzes and shows an overview of UGS capacities to cover peak demand by country, as well as an assessment of the gas filling of European UGS facilities. The leading countries with the largest storage capacities of gas reserves in Europe are shown. The article also traces the dynamics of changes in gas storage capacities of the main natural gas importing countries of Gazprom Group and countries of Central Europe for the period 2016–2020.