The productivity of the storage wells in an aquifer structure is sometimes restricted by the rock properties and the thickness of the target formation. To overcome these limitations, especially in thin layers, boreholes are increasingly being drilled horizontally in the lower part of the well. In this way, a far greater well productivity can be achieved.

Aquifer structures require large expenditures for the exploration of the geological conditions and the initial operation phase. The monitoring of the gas-water interface and tightness during long-term operation can be compared to that of depleted oil or gas fields. Nevertheless, aquifer structures sometimes present the only geological opportunity to establish an underground storage facility at an acceptable distance from the gas pipeline system. This particular type of underground storage has only small impact on the environment since its operation requires neither freshwater injection nor the disposal of brine.

Depending on their storage characteristics, aquifer structures serve mainly for the seasonal balancing of natural gas supply and for peak shaving.