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A Probabilistic Assessment Methodology for the Evaluation of Geologic Energy Storage Capacity—Natural Gas Storage in Depleted Hydrocarbon Reservoirs

Scientific Investigations Report 2025-5108
Energy Resources Program
By: , , , , , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255108

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Abstract

The need for energy storage, particularly underground, where capacity and duration may far exceed battery storage technologies, is especially relevant given the increasing demands for reliable power alongside the development of intermittent renewable electricity sources. Geologic energy storage facilities already exist, and expanded use would enable storing gases such as methane and hydrogen. In 2018, a National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report, “Future Directions for the U.S. Geological Survey's Energy Resources Program,” recommended that the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) prioritize assessing underground energy storage in geologic formations in the United States. The U.S. Geological Survey has since developed a methodology for assessing natural gas storage capacities in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs on a national scale. The methodology introduced in this report prescribes three approaches for calculating gas storage capacity. This methodology relies on the availability of input data, including cumulative hydrocarbon production records, reservoir petrophysical properties, and reservoir pressure data. Assessment inputs can be obtained from public, State-level databases and propriety national-scale databases, although the use of analogs could be warranted for estimating input parameters. Probabilistic assessment results are aggregated to play, petroleum province, regional, and national scales. The steps defined in this report are demonstrated on the Michigan Basin Province, which includes the Mississippian Sandstone Gas Play and the Clinton Structural Play. This methodology could be used to systematically and consistently assess hydrocarbon plays and provinces for natural gas storage capacity across the United States.

Plain Language Summary

Energy storage for future use is relevant at the national scale due to increasing power requirements and the desire for high-reliability supply. Having the ability to store energy gases underground, specifically natural gas, enables access during seasonal periods or times of unexpected demand. Geologic formations—namely depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs—are ideal underground settings for storing natural gas because they retained gas over geologic time scales. This report presents a methodology for estimating potential volumes of natural gas that can be stored in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs. The methodology draws on the expertise of geologists and hydrocarbon production databases to first identify candidate reservoirs and then estimate probable storage volumes. The computed results may be combined into regional and national estimates for follow-on analysis and decision making. An example is provided that shows this methodology being used to evaluate the storage capacity for two “plays”—oil and gas accumulations where similar geologic conditions exist—in the Michigan Basin.

Suggested Citation

Buursink, M.L., Wiens, A.M., Jones, M.M., Varela, B.A., Freeman, P.A., Brennan, S.T., Merrill, M.D., and Warwick, P.D., 2025, A probabilistic assessment methodology for the evaluation of geologic energy storage capacity—Natural gas storage in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs: U.S. Geological Survey Scientific Investigations Report 2025–5108, 26 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/sir20255108.

ISSN: 2328-0328 (online)

Study Area

Table of Contents

  • Acknowledgments
  • Abstract
  • Plain Language Summary
  • Introduction
  • Assessment Framework
  • Assessing Storage Capacity
  • Practical Considerations
  • Demonstrating Storage Capacity in the Michigan Basin
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title A probabilistic assessment methodology for the evaluation of geologic energy storage capacity—Natural gas storage in depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs
Series title Scientific Investigations Report
Series number 2025-5108
DOI 10.3133/sir20255108
Publication Date December 19, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
Description vii, 26 p.
Country United States
State Michigan
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional Online Files (Y/N) N
Additional publication details