Store

With the technically operated storage capacity of approximately five billion cubic meters of natural gas as of 1st of April, 2011 RAG is significantly contributing to the security of gas supply in Austria and throughout Central Europe

Extension of storage capacities in 2011

As of 1st of April, 2011 Rohöl-Aufsuchungs Aktiengesellschaft (RAG) has more than doubled tecnically available storage capacities. Working gas volume of approximately five billion cubic meters of natural gas technically operated by RAG corresponds to half of the annual natural gas demand in Austria.
After only two years construction time the second stage of the underground gas storage facility Haidach was completed. This Joint Venture underground gas storage facility of Gazprom Export, Wingas and RAG with its working gas volume of 2.64 billion cubic meters of natural gas is one of the largest in Central Europe. Furthermore, the first stage of the Joint Venture underground gas storage facility "7Fields" with the working gas volume of 1.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas was completed. At the same time RAG´s own underground gas storage facility Aigelsbrunn with the working gas volume of 0.1 billion cubic meters of natural gas has been put into operation.

Underground gas storage facilities ensuring security of supply

Beside their classical task to balance the variations in gas demand, the role of underground gas storage facilities as "energy storage" is getting more and more important. Underground gas storage facilities are indispensable in power generation concerning exploitation of renewable energy sources, such as wind and sun. Because the more the share of renewable energy sources increases in the energy mix, the more gas should be available in the background to be set out when wind turbines and solar collectors can not generate power as a result of weather conditions. Natural gas used as feedstock in underground gas storage facilities and its conversion into electricity using gas fired power plants enables to compensate for the constantly increasing fluctuations resulting from the share of renewable energy sources in power generation.

Certification of safety management

RAG’s entire safety management for storage operation complies with certified procedures. RAG is the first company in Europe which has been certified for its entire storage operation. In September 2009 the company was awarded the TSM Certificate (Technical Safety Management) by German Technical Association for Gas and Water (Deutsche Vereinigung des Gas- und Wasserfaches e.V.).

Efficiency due to sustainable use of former gas reservoir as underground gas storage

Austria has excellent geological conditions for underground gas storage. Since 1982 RAG has used former gas reservoirs which were formerly depleted during gas production for storing natural gas. Using a natural gas reservoir that has existed for millions of years as underground gas storage represents the best, safest and most environmental friendly way of storing energy.

Tailor-made solutions for our customers

In order to offer our customers tailor-made solutions for storing enviromental friendly natural gas in former reservoirs not only the natural resources are required but also a high level of know-how and economic optimisations. With highly motivated employees RAG is providing the flexibility to offer its customers tailor-made solutions.

RAG develops, constructs and operates underground gas storage facilities both for the company’s own requirements and as part of a joint venture project with its partners.