I think it is CLEAR !!3 Jan 2024 10:09
WG,
Not posting to incite an argument, but it is very clear that Angus are NOT going to utilize SLBY for GAS storage, in part because they are focused on TOTAL drainage/depletion of the field, which makes it by default, unsuitable to repurpose for GAS storage, gas storage in an existing reservoir requires a decent level of baseline reservoir pressure BEFORE pumping store gas into it.
Angus are going for pretty much complete drainage/depletion which will put the baseline way tooooo low, meaning anyone wanting to store gas would need to pump huge volumes of gas back into the reservoir JUST to reach baseline pressure, and it would simply be too costly, along with issues such as dew point causing stored gas to drop out as condensates and a number of other issues associated with that, which also includes the suitability of the current pipeline to grid likely not being sufficient to provide such levels of reverse flow back to SLBY to support the levels needed etc etc.
On Angus own website they are clearly noting the use of SLBY for "hydrogen" or possibly Co2 storage, using the existing direct connection to the Humber facilities & industry to support this, noted in their "transition & ESG" section.
If they opt for Hydrogen, then it is likely "some" of the current surface plant at SLBY will be converted to facilitate Hydrogen storage and retrieval, as Hydrogen is not impeded by the depletion of the reservoir, in fact the depletion/total drainage only serves better for maximum storage volume for either of the noted options.
OK, it is some time down the road, meaning they have to drain/deplete the field to the max over the likely coming 5-6 years of the finance term with Trafigura, and it is also likely that the latter end of this phase will see production fall off quiet hard, as they fight against the increasing dropout below dew point in the wellbores and into the reservoir, but actually it is the right thing to be doing if they want to maximise the m3 of usable storage within the geological trap.