Canadian company Hidrostor will carry out a compressed air energy storage (CAES) project in Australia. With the Silver City Energy Storage Project, which will be put into service in 2027, 200 MW power will be provided for 8 hours and will have a total energy storage capacity of 1600 MWh.The project, which will be carried out in an old mine near Broken Hill, Australia, will replace the existing diesel turbines that operate during power outages.
How does the system work?
Hydrostor’s CAES technology works similarly to a pumped storage hydroelectric power plant. A four-step process is used to store and distribute energy. Electricity is drawn from the grid during off-peak hours or in excess to produce heated compressed air. During charging, heat from the compressed air is collected and stored before the cooled air extracts water from an underground cavern to a water tank on the surface. During discharge, water flows back into the cavern and forces air under pressure towards the surface, where it is heated by the stored thermal energy and spins a turbine to produce electricity.
Hydrostor Chief Commercial Officer Jordan Cole says the technology is a scalable, cost-effective solution to providing long-term energy storage. “We look forward to advancing this important infrastructure project that ensures clean energy is available when it is needed,” he says.The Silver City project is expected to bring significant economic benefits to the Broken Hill region. Hydrostor says the project will contribute approximately $660 million to the local economy and create 750 ongoing jobs during construction and 70 once operational.
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