Shurijeh Gas Storage Development Project
The Shurijeh Gas Storage Development Project focuses on the strategic expansion of Iran’s underground natural gas storage capacity. The Shurijeh-D reservoir is situated in northeastern Iran near the city of Sarakhs and is a part of the greater Khangiran Gas Field complex. Recognizing the reservoir’s unique geological features and energy potential, authorities officially designated Shurijeh-D as an underground gas storage (UGS) facility in 2009.
Phase-I of the Shurijeh UGS plant was completed in 2014, laying down all foundational infrastructure required for large-scale gas injection and withdrawal operations. This phase included the installation of injection wells, gathering systems, processing units, and monitoring equipment, all of which proved the reservoir’s technical suitability and set the stage for expanded operations in subsequent phases.
Phase-II Development Plan
Objective: The primary goal for Phase-II is to increase the Shurijeh-D reservoir’s storage capacity to 4.5 billion cubic meters of natural gas, ensuring enhanced seasonal balancing, energy security, and reliable supply to Iran’s national grid.
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HOST COMPANY (state-owned) is responsible for managing all underground gas storage activities in Iran, including the Shurijeh-D facility.
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MAPNA, as the selected investor and operator, is tasked with running all existing Shurijeh-D UGS facilities and upstream infrastructure throughout the commercial period of the contract.
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Reservoir Study and Monitoring: MAPNA will execute a thorough reservoir study and ongoing monitoring to guide and optimize Phase-II development and operational strategies.
Primary Activities in Phase-II
- Preparation of a Comprehensive Development Plan for the expansion of gas storage facilities and supporting systems.
- Engineering – Detailed technical design of new wells, plant infrastructure, and required upgrades.
- Procurement – Sourcing and acquisition of all materials, equipment, and services essential for construction and operation.
- Drilling – Implementation of new wells for both gas injection and withdrawal, as well as supporting monitoring wells.
- Construction – Building, installation, and integration of new infrastructure for expanded storage capacity.
- Commissioning of Phase-II – Testing and bringing all new systems online to ensure readiness and safety.
- Integrated Operation and Maintenance – Management and upkeep of both Phase I and Phase II systems to guarantee seamless operation, reliability, and compliance with industry standards.
- Gas Transfer Operations – Controlled transfer of gas to and from the HOST COMPANY, as defined by the commercial contract.
Project Timeline
The defined contract period for the Phase-II expansion is 9 months, starting from March 12, 2021. Within this timeframe, all development, construction, and commissioning milestones must be achieved to realize the expanded storage objective.
