Kaasuvarat

Kaasuvarat, or natural gas reserves, are quantities of natural gas that can be recovered from the Earth's subsurface under current economic and technological conditions with existing infrastructure for production and processing. They are distinguished from resources, which may be discovered but are not currently economically or technically recoverable. Reserves are further categorized by confidence and development status.

Proved reserves are the portion with a high degree of geological and economic certainty. They are often subdivided into developed reserves, which are already producing or ready for production, and undeveloped reserves, which require additional investment or facilities. Probable and possible reserves represent progressively lower levels of confidence, used in probabilistic assessments to describe ranges of potential future production. Different standards are used for reporting, with some regions following SEC definitions and others using international frameworks such as PRMS (Petroleum Resources Management System).

Estimation methods combine geological and geophysical surveys, well data, production history, and engineering analyses. Analysts use decline curve analysis and probabilistic methods to express reserves as P50 (best estimate) and P90 (high-certainty) scenarios. Reserve estimates are regularly revised as new data becomes available, prices change, or technology advances.

Global distribution and policy impact are driven by geology, infrastructure, and geopolitics. Major holders of kaasuvarat influence energy security, pricing, and trade—via pipelines or liquefied natural gas networks. Technological advances, including unconventional gas development, alongside environmental and climate considerations, continuously shape the size and accessibility of natural gas reserves.

See also: natural gas, resource classification, reserve replacement.