Syderiai Underground Gas Storage

Lithuania has launched a project on the construction of an underground gas storage facility in order to accumulate the requisite reserve of natural gas and ensure uninterrupted gas supply to domestic users. After analyzing over 100 geological structures found in Lithuania, the Syderiai saline aquifer structure in Telšiai region, occurring at the depth of about 1450 metres, has been selected as potentially best alternative. Already accomplished detailed seismic investigations and geologic explorations will allow to determine whether an underground natural gas storage facility of strategic importance for Lithuania‘s energy security can be constructed in Telšiai region.

Benefits

Currently, Lithuania imports all the natural gas used in the national economy from only one source. In case of disruptions in the supply of this vitally important resource through only one pipeline crossing Belarus, the natural gas reserves accumulated in an underground storage facility in Latvia would not be sufficient to supply all Lithuanian customers with gas. This would have adverse social and economic consequences for the state. Construction of a storage facility in Lithuania would allow to accumulate the requisite quantity of gas ensuring an alternative gas supply to customers. Keeping of such gas reserve is also required by the European Union.

The new storage facility would also reduce the loading of the gas pipeline system and contribute to the formation of both national and regional gas markets. In addition, the gas reserve would help Lithuania to avoid seasonal fluctuations: the gas purchased in summer could be used in winter when the demand is greater due to the heating season. 

Works

Seeking to assess whether the Syderiai geological structure is suitable for construction of a gas storage facility, in 2010-2011 seismic investigations by the applications of 2D/3D method (Phase I) were conducted in a 150 km2 area in Telšiai region. The results of investigations allowed to determine the composition and characteristics of the geological structure and to project the requirements and scope of further works. Analysis of seismic data has shown that Cambrian layer occurring at the depth of approx. 1450 metres contains a large formation suitable for gas storage. The explorations were conducted by a consortium consisting of the Lithuanian-Danish joint venture UAB Minijos Nafta, Odin Energi A/S and Acoustic Geofizika Szolgalto Kft, selected through an international tendering procedure.

A few exploratory wells were drilled (Phase II) in order to better understand the Syderiai geological structure and to assess the tightness of the faults found in the Eastern and South-Eastern parts of the structure. These works were performed by Lithuanian, Polish and German specialists: drilling works and part of investigations were performed by Polish company Exalo Drilling S.A in partnership with Lithuanian company UAB “Minijos nafta”. As subcontractors experienced specialists from Germany and Poland were also involved in the process of investigations.

Currently seismic data reinterpretation and creation or static and dynamic modeling of the reservoir are being performed by KBB Underground Technologies GmbH. This will allow to assess reservoir properties and its distribution, determine sealing properties and integrity of the cap-rock, to calculate the volume of storable gas, injection/extraction scenarios, approx. investments necessary to complete the project and other vital data. It is estimated to complete these tasks on February 2014.

• Video about opening cermony of Syderiai investigation works, II Phase.

Investments 

The preparatory works of the projects are co-financed from the State budget and the European Union using the funds of the Trans-European Energy Network (TEN-E) programme. "Lietuvos energijos gamyba“, AB is also making its financial contribution to the successful implementation of the project.

Safety

Safety is one of the main issues of attention in the operation of underground natural gas storage facilities. A facility can only be constructed in such geological structure which ensures isolation of natural gas deep under the ground. Operators of the facilities must comply with particularly stringent safety and environmental regulations in order to ensure smooth operation of the facilities. Independent ambient air, groundwater and soil analysis provide objective information on the facilities’ impact upon the environment.

International Experience

Currently there are approx. 650 underground storage facilities in operation all over the world. The majority of them – approx. 440 – are located in the United States; 150 facilities - in the European countries. Lithuania‘s neighbouring countries have such facilities as well: Latvia – 1 storage, Poland – 8 storages (one additonal storage is under construction, a few existing ones – under expansion), Belarus – 2 storages and Russian Federation (Kaliningrad region only) – 1 storage.

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