Compressed Air Energy Storage

Compressed air energy storage (CAES) refers to the method of storing energy by using electrical energy to compress air during periods of low grid demand and releasing the compressed air to drive turbines for electricity generation during peak demand periods.

Since the use of CAES was proposed in 1949, extensive research has been conducted globally. Two large traditional CAES power stations are operational worldwide. The first commercially operated CAES unit commenced in Huntorf, Germany, in 1978, followed by the second station in McIntosh, Alabama, the United States, in May 1991.

Various forms of CAES systems exist, categorized by working medium, storage medium, and heat source, including traditional systems utilizing fossil fuels, those with heat storage devices, and liquid air energy storage systems.

Development in China

In 2021, CAES achieved ultra-long standby capability.

On September 23, 2021, in Feicheng, east China's Shandong Province, China's first commercial CAES peak-shaving power station successfully connected to the grid.

On September 28, 2022, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Tai'an 2 × 300-megawatt CAES innovation demonstration project was held in Shandong.

On April 9, 2024, the Yingcheng 300-megawatt CAES power station in central China's Hubei Province, the world's first 300-megawatt CAES station, successfully connected to the grid.

On April 9, 2024, the world's first 300-megawatt compressed air energy storage station in Yingcheng, central China's Hubei Province, was successfully connected to grid. It has achieved three world records in terms of single-unit power, energy storage scale, and conversion efficiency. Additionally, it has established six industry benchmarks, dozens of international firsts, and marked a global breakthrough.