The Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited (ISPRL) has begun work on India’s first strategic natural gas storage system after conflict in West Asia highlighted a reliance on external fuel providers. Storage options include underground salt caves and aboveground cryogenic liquified natural gas (LNG) tanks.
LNG is more difficult to store than crude oil as it requires extremely low temperatures of around -162℃, and compressed gas needs specialised infrastructure and safety measures. As a result, these technical challenges have stood in the way of the country’s green energy plans.
A government-appointed committee is currently completing studies into technical feasibility, investment requirements – including public-private partnerships – and potential locations. It is hoped that the natural gas storage will complement India’s existing strategic crude oil reserves.
