Strategic decisions about large-scale gas storage 

Mandated by Gaznat and developed as an associated case study within the Swiss Federal Office of Energy’s SWEET programme Sustainable and Resilient Energy for Switzerland (SURE), this study assessed the strategic role of largescale gas storage in supporting Switzerland’s energy transition and securityofsupply objectives. Conducted within the framework of national energy strategy and climateneutrality goals for 2050, it examined the longterm value of domestic storage facilities—such as Lined Rock Cavern (LRC) and Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) options—compared to continued reliance on foreign capacity. The work also considered future hydrogen use, seasonal energyshifting needs, and resilience to severe supply disruptions.

 Modelbased scenario analysis indicated that while access to foreign gas storage is currently costeffective, domestic facilities could become strategically valuable if external access is constrained or market volatility increases. Hydrogenready storage was identified as a futureproof investment, supporting potential seasonal shifts of hydrogen in a carbonneutral energy system. The study also evaluated the role of largescale storage in mitigating the impacts of shortterm supply interruptions and stabilising the gas grid during rapid demand fluctuations, highlighting its potential to reduce system costs compared with alternative technical measures.