Compressed Air Energy Storage
Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) is a method of storing energy by compressing air and storing it in underground reservoirs, such as salt caverns or depleted gas fields, for later use. When electricity is needed, the compressed air is released, heated, and expanded through turbines to generate power. It is a large-scale energy storage technology used to balance grid supply and demand, particularly for integrating intermittent renewable energy sources like wind and solar.
Developers should learn about CAES when working on energy systems, smart grid projects, or renewable energy integration, as it provides a solution for storing excess energy during low-demand periods and releasing it during peak demand. It is especially relevant for applications requiring long-duration storage (hours to days) and large capacity, such as utility-scale power management, grid stabilization, and reducing reliance on fossil fuel peaker plants.