D. Tuel
Hydrostor,
Canada
Keywords: long duration energy storage, US, energy grid, energy demands
Summary:
The future of the US energy grid depends on solving a critical challenge: how do we ensure reliable energy when renewables are offline? Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is the key. Unlike short-duration systems, LDES provides the ability to store energy for 8-24+ hours, ensuring power is available even when the wind doesn’t blow or the sun doesn’t shine. The LDES Council’s 2024 report estimates a global need for up to 460 GW of LDES by 2050, with the US expected to play a leading role given its expansive grid and evolving energy demands. This session introduces Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES), a patented LDES technology developed by Hydrostor that is redefining the possibilities of long-duration storage. A-CAES combines compressed air, underground caverns, and water to store energy over long durations without emissions. The DOE’s Energy Storage Grand Challenge highlights technologies like A-CAES as pivotal in achieving grid reliability while reducing operational risks. With its proven components from mining and gas industries, A-CAES delivers unmatched reliability, flexible siting, a lifespan of over 50 years, and independence from critical minerals like lithium and cobalt. A-CAES aligns seamlessly with the US grid’s needs. By integrating into existing infrastructure and providing location flexibility, it supports resilience while reducing dependency on foreign supply chains. With 700 MW of late-stage projects and a global pipeline of 7 GW, A-CAES is proving its scalability and impact. This session will explore how A-CAES fits within the broader LDES landscape, enhancing grid stability and creating opportunities for US manufacturing and workforce growth. Drawing from DOE insights and real-world case studies, attendees will learn how LDES solutions like A-CAES are solving the US’s most pressing grid challenges and advancing the next generation of energy innovation.