Underground gas storage facility in Gajary. (source: Sme)
The 2009 crisis concerning the flow of gas from Russia to Europe has led to active strengthening of energy security in the EU countries. Slovakia has not only enhanced its gas pipeline infrastructure and introduced reverse flow of gas amongst a few neighbouring countries, but has also allowed the private sector to expand the gas storage capacity of the country.
The Economy Ministry granted a permit for construction of a new underground gas storage facility in Golianovo (western Slovakia) in September 2016. Though the ministry already approved and deemed suitable the selected ground structure for gas storage near Nitra in 2010, the construction company Engas is now carrying out the pre-project phase of the facility, with plans for completion in the beginning of 2017.
“Early next year we should have clarified all the crucial questions regarding pre-design preparation,” Ján Mojžiš, managing director at Engas, told The Slovak Spectator.
More storage space and connection line
Underground gas storage facilities allow for storing relatively large amounts of energy-carrier at rather low prices beneath the surface in appropriate places. Hence, such facilities help to improve the country’s energy security in case of inadequate gas flow from countries of origin.
