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.
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.