Enhancement of Inčukalns UGS

With a working gas capacity of 24 TWh, Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage (UGS) constitutes the largest available gas storage facility in the Baltic Sea region.

The objective of the Project of Common Interest “Enhancement of the Inčukalns Underground Gas Storage” is to enhance the operations of the storage facility by improving the functionality of Inčukalns UGS, reducing the dependence of withdrawal capacity on the volume of gas reserves, improving environmental performance and ensuring compliance with modern standards, as well as strengthening regional energy security and the continuity of gas supply.

The project was implemented during the period from 2018 until the end of 2025. Throughout its implementation, three key operational areas of the storage facility were modernized, and sustainability performance was further improved:

1. Construction of a new gas collection point (GCP). Outdated infrastructure, technological lines and equipment were dismantled and replaced with a new gas collection point equipped with modern process systems, engineering solutions and auxiliary infrastructure. The new facility comprises thirty-four first-stage gas purification filters, four second-stage filters, new pipeline interconnections between several wells and the gas collection point, as well as a new production building and support systems. These upgrades have significantly increased the maximum operating pressure compared with the pressure level prior to reconstruction;
2. Modernization of wells. Thirty-six storage wells were refurbished and equipped with new safety, control and operational systems. These improvements have increased the overall safety of the storage facility, enhanced well performance and strengthened the long-term reliability of the entire technological chain;
3. Installation and modernization of gas compression equipment. A new gas compressor unit was installed, and five existing gas compression units were modernized in order to reduce fuel gas consumption. These improvements have increased both gas injection and withdrawal capacity.

As a result of the project, the technical capacity of the storage facility has been significantly increased. Total gas injection capacity has increased from approximately 17 million m³ per day to 21 million m³ per day, while compression-based withdrawal capacity has been secured at up to 12 million m³ per day.

The project has also delivered measurable environmental and sustainability benefits. The modernized compressor infrastructure has enabled a reduction of up to 80% in nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions and an approximately 7% reduction in natural gas consumption during unit operation. These improvements contribute to more efficient resource use, a reduced environmental footprint, and compliance with modern technical and environmental standards.