More gas needs to be stored

In the event of a contingency that limits access to natural gas, Mexico only has 2.4 days of storage, which would generate a crisis for the country's operation.

That is why it is essential that the Federal Administration develops options that allow storing more energy that, initially, would allow reaching five days, a goal that was already in place since 2018 and has not been met, said the Mexican Institute for Competitiveness (Imco).

In its analysis "Gas Storage for Energy Security", it shows how other countries are better protected to face an energy crisis, since their storage capacity is much higher.

For example, Austria has 318.3 days of storage, while in France it is 98.8 and in Spain 34.2 days.

"In Mexico, the lack of natural gas storage infrastructure represents one of the country's main energy security risks and is exacerbated by abrupt changes in the supply and demand of this fuel.

"Natural gas in Mexico is a key fuel for electricity generation and industrial activities. In this context, not having sufficient access at competitive prices is a risk that impacts the entire Mexican economy," the document states.

It is estimated that the cost of the strategic natural gas storage facilities required to meet the goals set would be between 428.3 million and 2,594.9 million dollars, depending on the technology used.

Storage alternatives include liquefied natural gas storage tanks, salt caverns, combined aquifers and economically unviable hydrocarbon deposits for extraction.

In response, Imco proposes to retake the 2018 Storage Policy, but with its update with the current demand of hydrocarbons, and to reach, initially, five days of storage.

Also to resume the natural gas storage projects in depleted onshore hydrocarbon fields in Acuyo, Chiapas, Brazil, Tamaulipas; Jaf, Veracruz and Saramako in Tabasco; as well as others that the authorities determine through technical opinions.

And finally, to elaborate a study on the potential of the existing depleted deposits in Mexico, taking into account their location, accessibility and existing infrastructure and to carry out a cost-benefit analysis of this technology in comparison with salt caverns and confined aquifers.

Shortage

Natural gas storage in the country is marginal to be able to face the energy crisis, so it is essential to increase it to at least five days.

COUNTRY STORAGE CAPACITY (TWH) AVERAGE DAILY CONSUMPTION (TWH) DAYS OF STORAGE

Austria 95.5 0.3 318.3

France 128.5 1.3 98.8

Germany 240.3 2.7 89.0

Spain 34.2 1.0 34.2

Mexico 6.1 2.5 2.4 2.4

Source: IMCO