Upstream, direct, and downstream processes
RAG's upstream value chain comprises the production and transport of natural gas, which is temporarily stored in the company's underground storage facilities and remains the property of the storage customers, while RAG exclusively provides the storage service. The provision of energy, materials and consumables, as well as supplies and services such as drilling equipment and drilling technology for both underground and above-ground operations, are particularly relevant for the construction and operation of storage and production facilities. Suppliers from the DACH region or, where possible, regional suppliers are primarily commissioned for this purpose.
The direct value chain includes the production, processing, storage and feed-in to the energy system, as well as the trading and sale of crude oil and gaseous energy sources such as natural gas and hydrogen. RAG produces quantities of crude oil in Austria – with a correspondingly low CO₂-footprint compared to international crude oil imports – which are marketed nationally. The quantities of natural gas produced in Austria reduce the need to import natural gas, albeit only slightly. The connection of RAG's pipeline network to southern Germany also supplies the southern German market and the control areas of Vorarlberg and Tyrol, which can only be reached via Germany. A particular focus is placed on the secure provision of storage capacities, which, as part of the critical infrastructure, contribute significantly to the security of supply for society and industry. As the operator of a crude oil storage facility in Upper Austria, RAG also enables crude oil and mineral oil importers to stockpile their legally required emergency reserves.
Downstream, the value chain includes the transport of crude oil, natural gas and hydrogen by rail and pipeline, as well as the further processing and use of these energy sources by our business customers. RAG also operates public CNG and LNG filling stations for use by end customers for mobility purposes.
RAG value chain
