China takes a giant leap in clean energy with 350 MW CAES project, capable of storing 1.2 million cubic meters and leading global innovation
The Chinese group Huaneng has achieved a new milestone in energy storage with the launch of the second phase of the Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) project in Jintan, Changzhou, Jiangsu province.
Intended to become the world’s largest CAES installation, this innovative project integrates cutting-edge technologies to increase power, storage capacity, and efficiency, setting a standard for sustainable energy solutions.
Technological breakthrough
Li Yaoqiang, president of China Salt, said that the project is the first industrial-level CAES project in the world for clean energy storage and represents an important milestone in the use of salt caverns to explore the development of the salt industry in China.
Revolutionary scale and capacity
The second phase of the project will feature two 350 MW CAES units, with no supplementary fuel required, and a combined storage capacity of 1.2 million cubic meters. This will enable the storage of up to 2.8 GWh of electricity per full charge, surpassing any other CAES installation worldwide.
Designed to operate at 330 charge and discharge cycles per year, the project exceeds existing technologies in power generation per unit and overall system efficiency.
The first phase, already completed, installed a 60 MW unit that provided crucial operational insights for the expansion in the second phase.
The installation incorporates revolutionary technology with no supplementary fuel, eliminating the need for external energy sources when storing and reusing the heat generated during air compression. This method achieves zero carbon emissions and energy conversion efficiency above 60%.
Technological innovation
The Jintan project stands out for advanced process optimizations and equipment configurations. Notable technological highlights include:
- One-click startup: Reduces startup time from 20 to 5 minutes.
- Improved machine efficiency: A 0.5% increase in efficiency improves overall performance.
- Fast response: Rapid-start air turbines ensure grid stability during peak operations.
Step towards a greener future
These advancements not only increase reliability but also position the installation as a model for future CAES projects worldwide.
The Jintan project exemplifies the potential of CAES technology to contribute to a low-carbon power grid. By utilizing existing salt caverns and integrating innovative designs, the project offers a sustainable solution for intermittent renewable energy sources.
As the installation advances to the next phase, it solidifies China’s leadership in energy storage and provides a scalable model for global adoption. Combining efficiency, reliability, and environmental sustainability, the Jintan CAES project is destined to play a crucial role in shaping the future of clean energy storage.
Global impact of CAES
CAES systems are gaining traction worldwide, with companies in countries like Australia and the UK advancing in planning and construction stages for CAES plants to diversify their energy storage needs.
From the use of natural salt caverns to the implementation of pioneering technologies, the Jintan project by Huaneng demonstrates the transformative potential of CAES systems. As the world seeks sustainable and efficient energy solutions, projects like Jintan are paving the way for a greener infrastructure.
