Gas storage has been proposed as an essential solution for large industries in managing energy imbalance during the cold season. According to estimates, the annual opportunity cost arising from gas imbalance in winter for industries exceeds 20 billion dollars. This figure highlights the importance of investing in energy storage infrastructure, which can help reduce the vulnerability of industries.
The Challenge of Gas Imbalance and the Importance of Storage
Gas imbalance has become one of the structural challenges of Iran's economy, with effects extending beyond the energy sector, harming production, employment, exports, and foreign revenues. In such circumstances, any policy that can reduce the risk of gas shortages for industries at a cost significantly lower than the losses from production stoppage should be considered an economic investment.
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Energy risk management, especially in large industries, should have a specific place in strategic planning, similar to financial risk management and raw material supply. Investing in gas storage can help mitigate issues arising from imbalance and prevent production stoppages during crises.
Economic Benefits of Investing in Storage
Hasan Heydarian, an energy policy expert, emphasizes that large industries should view gas storage as an economic opportunity. The cost of storing each cubic meter of gas is estimated at about five cents, which is significant compared to the cost of halting production. This comparison shows that creating storage capacities can prevent losses from reduced production and support the economic justification for investment.
Moreover, establishing shared storage among several industrial units can lead to cost savings. Industries should allocate part of their resources to reduce energy risk and not solely rely on temporary government support.
Ultimately, achieving energy security requires joint cooperation between the government and industries. The government must strengthen public infrastructure, and industries should also focus on investing in their energy infrastructure. This division of responsibility will ultimately benefit the entire economy of the country.
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