January 23, 2026 [Offshore Technology]- Italy, the UK, and Romania are slated to lead upcoming underground gas storage (UGS) project starts in Europe through 2030, underpinned by robust infrastructure, suitable geology—especially depleted fields that can be converted faster and cheaper when compared to new sites, and measures aimed at reducing reliance on imports, particularly from Russia.

Italy is poised to lead Europe in terms of the UGS project starts, with 13 projects due to come online during the 2026 to 2030 outlook period. The country is seeking to position itself as a regional gas hub by cutting dependence on Russia and boosting imports from the Mediterranean and Africa, prompting major investment in storage to handle peak demand and seasonal fluctuations. All upcoming projects in the country are depleted oil and gas developments. Of these, eight projects are in the early stages of development (feasibility and approval), while the remaining are under construction.

The UK ranks next, with six project starts during the outlook period with each of the depleted oil and gas fields, and salt caverns representing half of the upcoming projects. All of these upcoming projects are in the pre-construction stages (feasibility and approval).

Romania is also expected to witness five new build project starts by 2030. Depleted Oil and Gas field are expected to account for the entire upcoming UGS projects in the country. Of these, four projects are under construction, while the remaining has received development approval. Significant gas production and its location in southeast Europe make UGS strategically important for the country to ensure supply security and balanced flows.

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