BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 23. Italian energy
infrastructure operator Snam has confirmed that, following the
latest auctions for the allocation of gas storage capacity, Italy
is on track to reach its target of filling gas storage facilities
to at least 90% ahead of the upcoming winter season, Trend
reports.
Combined with previous allocation rounds, the latest auctions
have resulted in a total allocated volume of 17.5 billion cubic
metres out of Italy’s overall storage capacity of just over 19
billion cubic metres. This reflects both gas already physically
present in storage at the start of the injection season and newly
contracted volumes.
As of today, with the ongoing filling campaign, Italy’s storage
facilities are more than 46.5% full in terms of physical gas
volumes, compared to a European average of 30.6% (including
Italy).
Snam manages 12 underground storage sites, accounting for around
one-sixth of the European Union’s total storage capacity. The
company said it ensures optimal system operation by supporting
timely storage filling to strengthen national energy security,
while implementing flexible injection and supply strategies
integrated with transport and regasification infrastructure.
Gas storage plays a key role in balancing seasonal demand,
storing surplus gas during low-demand periods—typically in
summer—and delivering it during peak winter consumption or in case
of supply disruptions or import interruptions. It also provides
strategic reserves to offset unexpected demand spikes linked to
extreme weather conditions or supply constraints from non-EU
sources.
By operating Italy’s largest storage system and one of the most
significant in Europe, Snam said it contributes to system
resilience by working in coordination with its broader gas
transport and LNG regasification infrastructure.
